Grand County sheriff’s deputy recognized for lifesaving efforts

Deputy Tyler Mathis received a Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action after helping save a child in anaphylactic shock

A police officer and Red Cross volunteer holding an award during a presentation.

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Tyler Mathis, a K9 deputy with the Grand County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, recently received a Lifesaving Award from the Red Cross after saving the life of a child in anaphylactic shock.

A police officer reads an award nomination for a fellow officer, with a Red Cross volunteer standing next to them.

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Tyler Mathis received his Lifesaving Award on August 25 at the Grand County Sheriff’s Office in Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.

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Mathis was recognized for his lifesaving efforts with a Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.

September 23, 2025

By Brian Szabelski

The American Red Cross of Western Colorado presented a Lifesaving Award to a Grand County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit deputy who used his skills and knowledge to save the life of a child last year.

On Dec. 31, 2024, Deputy Tyler Mathis responded to a call at the Fraser Fire Department about a child going into anaphylactic shock. Upon arrival, Tyler found that the child was audibly wheezing with blue lips and a swollen tongue, and wasn’t fully responsive.

With an extensive wait for medical first responders to arrive, Tyler — who has also been a certified EMT for the past nine years — acted fast. He grabbed his medical bag and administered epinephrine to the child, saving their life.

Tyler’s medical bag did not have an available epinephrine auto-injector, requiring him to draw and administer the correct dosage from a vial. His quick thinking and continued education in first aid helped the child survive.

Tyler was presented with his Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action award on Aug. 25, 2025, at the Grand County Sheriff’s Office in Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.

The Lifesaving Awards provide recognition for individuals and acknowledgment of the immense payoff of Red Cross safety and preparedness training—arming people with the skills and confidence needed to respond appropriately to sudden emergencies.

To learn more about the awards or make a nomination, visit the Red Cross Lifesaving Awards website. You can also learn more about Red Cross training opportunities and learn to be a lifesaver yourself.