GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) - A Mesa County Sheriff's deputy and his family were hailed as "heroes" by a Texas fire department for their efforts during a historic sandstorm last week.
Deputy Phillip Peterson was driving a U-Haul of belongings from Texas on March 14 when the weather went down south quickly. Minimal visibility and extreme winds caused cars to crash all around Peterson, resulting in a 40-plus car pileup on U.S. Interstate 27 outside of Canyon, Texas, which is about 18 miles south of Amarillo.
Peterson's U-Haul was hit, and the van - driven by his wife, Krystal, who was traveling with their children - was struck several times. After checking on his wife and kids and seeing they were OK, Peterson turned his attention to the injured drivers after him.
Peterson and Krystal cleared out the U-Haul to create a shelter where they could get the injured motorists out of the sandstorm and apply first aid. Because of the intensity of the weather conditions and the size of the pileup, first responders found it challenging to access the crash. But the Amarillo Fire Department managed to execute a well-thought-out response to the scene.
Krystal and their son were eventually taken by an ambulance to the hospital less than an hour into the response to be evaluated and treated. This was after - despite their own injuries - they helped other victims before receiving aid themselves.
The Amarillo Fire Department said Peterson and the rest of his kids stayed on the scene while first responders brought over 15 victims to the makeshift U-Haul/shelter.
Because of this incident, Peterson and his family lost most of their belongings that were removed from the U-Haul. Their van was also totaled.
In a gesture to show their appreciation, the Amarillo Professional Fire Fighters Association gave the family a check. The Canyon Fire Fighters Association provided a rental vehicle, and the Red Cross gave them a free gas card to help them travel home to Grand Junction.
"There are few words that accurately describe the actions taken by Deputy Peterson, Krystal, and the Peterson children on March 14, but heroic is absolutely fitting. Thank you, Deputy Peterson, Krystal, and kids. You all truly embody the badge," the Mesa County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
Amarillo Fire Department Battalion Chief-Rescue Adam Perry wrote a message to Deputy Chief Jacob Oehlert commending Peterson and his family for their actions.
The initial message is down below:
"Deputy Chief Oehlert,
I wanted to provide you with an update on the police officer who allowed us to use his U-Haul as a casualty collection point. We were able to track him down — his name is Deputy Philip Peterson from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado. Deputy Peterson was traveling with his family of six when they were involved in the accident. His wife and several of their children were in one car, which was struck three separate times. His wife was transported to the hospital by ambulance, treated, and later released. Despite their own situation, Deputy Peterson and his wife immediately began assisting other victims, including those in critical condition.
"He allowed first responders to use his U-Haul as a casualty collection point, moving his personal belongings to the ditch to make space. In near-zero visibility conditions, he and his children remained on scene as responders brought over 15 victims to the U-Haul. When no additional space was available, we attempted to move the U-Haul out of the dust storm to establish an ambulance exchange point. Once all patients had been transferred to ambulances, he drove his daughter to the hospital for evaluation.
"After AFD Units returned to the station, Driver Moss reached out and asked if there was something we could do to assist Deputy Peterson and his family. I informed him that I would call you, Chief. After my conversation with you, I contacted the union, and they agreed to provide financial assistance. They issued him a $1,000 check.
"I met Deputy Peterson and his family at Walmart, where they were purchasing clothes. He had secured a hotel room but was still in need of a rental car to return to Grand Junction, Colorado. I asked if he would like for me to notify the Red Cross, and he agreed. Red Cross assured me they would do their best to assist him despite the unusual circumstances.
"A short while ago, I received an update from the Red Cross: they secured an SUV rental for the family, with Canyon Fire (executive board maybe) covering the $824 cost. The Red Cross provided him with $200 for fuel. Canyon fire assisted him with getting in touch with DPS and finding where his car was towed. Red Cross also informed me that he was out at the scene recovering some of his belongings.
"Given Deputy Peterson’s selfless actions—prioritizing the care of others despite his own family’s needs—I would like to formally recommend him for accommodation. His willingness to serve in such extreme conditions speaks volumes about his character and dedication."