My Hero

On September 10, 2008, we had a terrible flood here in Pecos County. Apparently people in West Texas get pretty excited when we see rain, and do not realize that it could be dangerous. Chris got numerous calls to rescue flood victims that day.

One included a man who was stranded on top of his Ford F250 and the water was up to his waist. Chris, along with two other Wardens and a Trooper, launched a boat in the rising flood water and rescued this man. The entire rescue was caught on a Sheriff's Deputy dash camera. I couldn't possibly describe the amazing boat driving or the danger that all of the men were in. I still get short of breath and my heart races when I see the video, and I already know how the "movie" ends.

Not 15 minutes after that man was pulled to safety and they got the boat back on the trailer in the flood waters, did Chris get another call about a young girl clinging to a tree in the draw here in town. These children had been floating the draw in the flood waters when she was swept off of her tube, sucked under a bridge (while the water was rushing over it), and she grabbed the first thing she saw when she popped out the other side. Another Warden went in after her and got her a life jacket, while Chris and a few others waded out in the water and pulled them all to safety.

Total that day, Chris pulled 8 people from the water. Today Chris and the other Wardens were honored in Austin with a Director's Citation. It is a very prestigious award.

Here is Chris receiving his award.


Left to Right: Executive Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Carter Smith, Former Game Warden Chris Lasiter, State Trooper Louie Verdeja, Game Warden Saul Aguilar, Game Warden Chris Amthor, Game Warden Matt Adams, and Colonel Pete Flores.

One of the best parts was that it was approved for the families to ride to Austin in the game warden truck with our warden. In the 6 years that Chris has been a warden, I have NEVER been allowed this luxury because it is very strict policy. It was really cool, he even turned his lights on for me a few times.

This is a picture of his award. You can click on the picture to make it bigger. If you can, read the fine print. Very cool.

These are the pins that will from this point on be a part of Chris's uniform. They will say to the world that he put his life on the line for others.

This was the first time that I have left the boys overnight. We left them with Mimi and Papa and it appears that they did fine. I think momma had a harder time than they did. I guess we could have taken them, but we have a hard time making it through church, let alone such a formal awards ceremony.

I just wanted to let the world know how proud I am of Chris.