February 21, 2008
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION HONORS COLORADO STATE PATROL
DENVER- Today, the Colorado Transportation Commission honored four individuals from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) for their actions taken during the sinkhole incident on I-25 56th Avenue that occurred on the afternoon of February 7th. Due to the quick response of CSP the roadway was immediately closed and thousands of motorists remained safe. The four employees honored today for their efforts are Sergeant Mark Bonfield, Corporal Tim McClinchy, Trooper Kyle Barrett and Trooper John Smith.
“The Commission and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) are thankful for the actions taken by this group of individuals,” said Transportation Commission Chairman Doug Aden. “Their efforts to work with the Department in order to quickly close the highway ensured the safety of the motorists, which is our number one priority” .
Calls regarding water flooding the highway began around 2:30 p.m. at which time, Corporal McClinchy headed out to the scene with Troopers Barrett and Smith. Upon arriving at the scene, CSP and CDOT determined that the highway was unsafe and used their patrol cars to block traffic and immediately close the highway. Within seconds of the closure, the 40-foot wide, 16-foot sinkhole formed, covering three lanes of I-25 as well as the shoulder.
With Sergeant Mark Bonfield now on site, CSP took charge of the traffic situation and began to clear and divert motorists off of I-25 in order to secure the scene. This task was certainly a challenge as I-25 carries 200,000 cars on a daily basis and rush hour was nearing.
“Despite the challenges they faced, these four individuals helped prevent a major traffic problem from turning into a tragic accident,” added Aden. “For that, we are extremely grateful for their actions and dedication to public safety.”
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*Photo Attached- Left to Right Corporal Tim McClinchy, Trooper John Smith, Sergeant Mark Bonfield and Trooper Kyle Barrett.