Arthur DeVitalis, GIlpin County. Cody and Shelby Allen met, fell in love and passed away in Gilpin County. Their story began in 2014 at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds, meeting over campfire marshmallows and hot dogs. Though neither knew it, each had found their soulmate. They married August 18, 2017, at the Ellis Ranch. They just celebrated their third wedding anniversary in Walden, Colorado, hunting antelope.
“They loved each other deeply, and they spread that love to everyone else around them,” said Jeff Lorenz, Shelby’s stepfather, who eulogized during the memorial service Friday. “The world was a brighter place with them lighting the way; they set the world on fire.”
“Through the tears, our families have shared a lot of memories,” said Lorenz. “It’s a reminder of the impact that Cody and Shelby had on so many.” Flowers, phone calls, texts, visits, prayers, meals and the procession were all signs of that impact. Streets were jam-packed from Arvada to Golden, as residents watched the parade. Many gathered for a memorial at the Flatirons Community Church Campus and Cemetery. Many more gathered at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds to watch on the big screen TV’s from their vehicles.
The procession for the couple totaled more than 150 vehicles including emergency responders, personal cars and trucks. The procession left from Genesee, went across I-70, across and through Central City and ended at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds. Residents and locals stepped out to the streets to watch in light snow as the vehicles went by.
Shelby was born Shelby Nicole Nation, on February 7, 1993, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her siblings are Wesley and Sydney. She graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a Bachelor Degree in Integrated Physiology and minor in Business. She began her education in Colorado at Nederland Middle High School.
After college, Shelby began working as a physical therapist. She coached high school and club volleyball. Shelby was a volunteer at Central City Fire Department. Shelby had passion for physical fitness, horseback riding, hiking, hunting, volleyball, heavy equipment operation, coaching and more. She was a 911 dispatcher and Victims’ Advocate in Gilpin County. Shelby worked as a Site Foreman at CNL Water Solutions, and of course, was a volunteer firefighter for Central City Fire Department. She jumped at the chance to try anything new, often being first in line and first on-scene. “She truly loved helping people.”
“She was an unwavering force with a brilliant mind and a kind heart. She was warm and welcoming to every person she ever met,“ said Jeff during the eulogy. “She told the best stories, and could make anyone laugh on their darkest day.”
Cody was born Cody Robert Allen on May 24, 1991. His siblings are Steven, Brett, Rebecka and Aubrey. He lived his entire life in Gilpin County. Cody had a passion for both leadership and firefighting, with extensive classroom and first-hand experience. Cody attended Gilpin County School and Warren Tech, beginning the necessary classes to begin firefighting professionally.
He started volunteering for Central City in 2006 as a junior firefighter. In 2009, he finished the program and became a volunteer firefighter. He held certifications in Hazmat, Wildland Fire, and as an EMT. In June 2015, Cody made Lieutenant for Central City. He continued to work actively to improve his working knowledge of fighting fires. He was hired as the first full-time paid firefighter in 2019.
“A leadership role was definitely his true calling,” said Jeff. “His lifelong dream was to be a full-time firefighter.”
He was hired by Central City as the first full-time paid firefighter. He loved rodeo, hunting, archery, horseback riding, bowling and attending Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse Games. He competed with his high school rodeo team as a Bronc rider.
“Cody had the most beautiful soul, and had a smile that would light up the room,” said Jeff. “One of the best qualities Cody had was that he had the patience of a saint. He was kind, giving, trustworthy, strong, steady, resilient, and a teacher to all that needed it.”
A ringing of the bell ceremony was completed at the service Friday.
“The men and women of today’s fire service are confronted with a more dangerous work environment than ever before. We are forced to continually change our strategies and tactics to accomplish our tasks.
Our methods may change, but our goals remain the same as they were in the past, to save lives and to protect property, sometimes at a terrible cost. This is what we do, this is our chosen profession, this is the tradition of the fire fighter.
The fire service of today is ever changing, but is steeped in traditions 200 years old.
One such tradition is the sound of a bell.
In the past, as fire fighters began their tour of duty, it was the bell that signaled the beginning of that day’s shift. Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizens. And when the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled to all the completion of that call. When a firefighter had died in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrades passing.
We utilize these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect on those who have given so much and who have served so well. To symbolize the devotion that these brave souls had for their duty, a special signal of three rings, three times each, represents the end of our comrades’ duties and that they will be returning to quarters. And so, to those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, their tasks completed, their duties well done, to our comrades, their last alarm, they are going home.”
More than just a memory to most, Cody and Shelby were shining examples of how to be to others. The couple were heroes in character and positivity, demonstrating goodwill and exemplifying the definition of a devout public servant.
The End of Watch over the emergency radio played out to a tearful crowd that watched and listened on the big screens at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds and the church in Golden.
“Your tasks are complete, your duties well done.”
“Rest easy sister and brother; go in peace.”
“It was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizens. When the fire was out, and the alarm had come to an end; it was the bell, the signal to all, the completion of the call.”
“To our comrades, their last alarm.”
“They’re going home.”
“We are so grateful to you both for your selfless dedication, loyalty, bravery, compassion and service to the citizens of Central City and the Gilpin County community. You have blessed so many lives.”
“Your memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those left behind. Firefighter Shelby Allen and Lieutenant Cody Allen are now guardians for all firefighters, as they continue their service of responding to emergencies.”
“We’ll take it from here”, concluded Communications Specialist Marie Romero.
Donations may be made in memory of Cody and Shelby to the Central City Volunteer Firefighters Foundation, PO Box 175, Central City, CO 80427.
(Originally published in the December 24, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
