Honors given in hostage response

Groups, individuals praised for actions in school tragedy

James B. Meadow, Rocky Mountain News

Published December 12, 2006 at midnight

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BAILEY - Near the field where a grieving community gathered to honor the sweet memory of a 16- year-old girl robbed of her life, a healing community gathered to gratefully honor the bravery and selflessness of those who tried to save her.

Monday's confluence of duty and gratitude was called the Park County Sheriff's Office Awards Ceremony, an event whose "ultimate purpose" was, said Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener, "to recognize the men and women who responded to the tragedy of Sept. 27."

Of course, Wegener didn't need to elaborate what the tragedy was. Each of the 250 people who sat inside the Farmer's Union metal A-frame knew.

They knew that on that day a man named Duane Morrison entered Platte Canyon High School and took six girls hostage, slowly letting four go free after molesting them.

Five hours later, after Morrison had cut off communications, law officers stormed the room. In the process, Emily Keyes, an elfin junior, was shot and killed by Morrison. Morrison then killed himself.

After the bagpiper led in the color guard, and a woman named Sherry Muldoon sang The Star-Spangled Banner, all eyes turned to the front row where John-Michael and Ellen Keyes, parents of Emily, were presented with flowers.

"Your strength is the reason for my being able to carry on," said Wegener, addressing the Keyeses.

Then it was time for Wegener and Undersheriff Monte Gore to make their presentations. The Distinguished Service Award, the Meritorious Award and the Sheriff's Commendation Award - were variously given to 150 individuals and groups.

Among the broad spectrum of first-responder backup-support recipients were Platte Canyon Fire Chief Jeff Davis, 17 troopers from the Colorado State Patrol, 21 victims' support workers, and over 40 members of the Park County Sheriff's Office, including Deputy Richard Sonnenberg, Sgt. Glenn Hardey and Lt. Mark Hancock.

Aside from the awards and Wegener's concise words, the only other remarks came from Platte Canyon High Principal Brian Krause.

"When I look back at the events of Sept. 27, some things stick out in my mind," said Krause. "The speed of the response, the professionalism . . . the tough decisions that were made."

No one epitomized the communal sense of appreciation more than the Keyes Family.

"It's an honor to be here; it's humbling," said John-Michael Keyes.

Soon, people were moving out into the crisp air, walking toward their cars, moving over the snow-swept ground. Ten weeks earlier, at a memorial for Emily, a tragedy had united them. Today, another ripple of healing had done the same.

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