When the Montezuma County Sheriff shows up to pull you out of class, it usually isn't a good thing.
But on Feb. 5, when Sheriff Steve Nowlin pulled Dolores 10th-grader Kius Neubarth out of band class, it was to recognize him for a job well done.
Nowlin and Deputy Dave Van Bibber presented Neubarth with a letter of appreciation and a special coin early Thursday morning last week, for helping an elderly woman who had fallen.
"You did something good," Nowlin said. "That's what this is all about."
Nowlin then read and presented the letter to Neubarth and shook his hand.
The accolades come after the morning of Jan. 27 when Neubarth was walking to school and saw a woman out in front of her home near 19th Street.
"Instead of continuing on and assuming she was alright, Kius took the initiative to stop and check to see if she needed help," Nowlin said.
Neubarth said it was just like any other morning when he looked over and saw Neita Rowell, 88, out in front of her home. Neubarth knew something was off.
"I ran over once I knew something wasn't right," he said.
Rowell had fallen down while getting the newspaper and wasn't able to get up or reach her emergency alert button.
"If Kius hadn't stopped to help, who knows what would have happened," Van Bibber said.
Neubarth quickly set to action and helped the woman up and into her home. She was bleeding from a cut on her head.
"After she assured him that she was going to be alright, Kius continued to school, where he informed the staff of the incident and stated that she may have been injured and in need of further assistance. Kius led Van Bibber back to the residence to check on the elderly woman," Nowlin read.
The woman was still bleeding from a large scrape on her face and was shaken from the fall. Neubarth and Van Bibber were able to contact her family and pastor, who arrived to help the woman out.
"Mrs. Rowell said she was extremely thankful and grateful that Kius had taken the time to assist her when she needed help," Nowlin said. "Kius observed a situation where a member of his community was in need, and he rose to the occasion by becoming involved to help. Kius' actions demonstrated the best in us all through his decision to take action," Nowlin said.
Neubarth said few words after receiving the accolades, but said he was surprised and thanked Nowlin.
"I was not expecting this," Neubarth said.
Neubarth's parents are Paul Neubarth and Bobbi Welker.
"Kius is an exemplary example of the positive potential of the young men and women that represent the Dolores High School and the Dolores Community," Nowlin said.
