Seven years ago, paramedic Steve Henry began holding bull riding events to raise money for first responders who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. His nonprofit organization, Buck for the Badge, has distributed over $250,000 to the loved ones left behind to help during a devastating and often financially difficult time.

Held on September 9 in conjunction with First Responders Day at Gilpin County Fairgrounds, the Fight for Life helicopter and emergency response vehicles were on hand for close inspection and their operators available for questions. Kids seemed particularly fascinated by the fire trucks. Some pulled pork barbeque caught my eye and nostrils as I passed through the vendors’ stands. I couldn’t help but wonder if the placement of the tent between the Democrats’ tent and Republicans’ tent was intentionally symbolic, a means of keeping the peace, or coincidental.

Flags of the United States, Colorado, and those representing the fallen heroes from the different sectors of emergency service entered Allen Memorial Arena held by riders on horseback. The “riderless horse” was led around the arena floor to honor those no longer with us.

A dazzling display of horsemanship followed with a performance by Colorado’s Shockwave Trick Riders. Standing atop a galloping horse, hanging off the front, side, and back of the animal by one’s feet with their hair brushing the ground as they whizzed by thrilled onlookers.

The bulls for Buck for the Badge were supplied by Ford Rodeo Ranch, Razors Edge Rodeo, Burrier Bucking Bulls, and founder Steve Henry’s personal stock at S&S Bucking Bulls. They came with names like Blues Brothers, Jungle Book, Navajo, Parlingua, and Snowball. There would be four rounds that 28 cowboys would have to conquer their beasts. If the riders managed to stay aboard for eight seconds, they received a score.

One by one over a half ton of raging fury bore down on the cowboys, tossing them onto the dirt like so many discarded ragdolls. One of the contestants had the full force of a hoof come down on his lower leg. None of them lasted the full eight seconds to register a score in the first round. Determined to not let the bulls get the best of them, they entered the second, third, and fourth rounds. There were several instances where rodeo clowns diverted the bulls’ attention from downed riders. A seething bull’s horn brushed a clown’s posterior as he streaked past. One of the cowboys was launched twelve feet in the air! Cody Nolte had the longest ride of anyone at 7.87 seconds on an afternoon where the bulls dominated. Final score: Bulls 28, Cowboys 0.

The day of the Buck for the Badge event, Steve Henry learned that two of his comrades had perished in a rollover auto accident that morning. As their supervisor for the last nine years, he enjoyed a close relationship with medics Kelly Brimlonger and Mark Kingline. Choking back tears, Henry noted that, “The list just keeps getting longer.” As a small token of our gratitude, assistance will be provided for the Brimlonger and Kingline families.

To receive information about making a donation to Buck for the Badge, go to www.buckforthefallen.org or call 303-589-0682.