By Shannon Lukens.

 

Lydia Brodman was honored with a Lifesaving Medal from local law enforcement on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. Lydia is a 5th grader at North Routt Community Charter School in Clark, where she received the honor in a surprise ceremony this morning.

 

“Very surprised. I didn’t know anything was going to happen.”

It was from an incident in August 2024 where Lydia saved her sister at the school bus, when a motorist disregarded the flashing red lights and the stop arm, and drove past the bus when she and her sisters were crossing. Lydia pulled one of her sisters back out of the motorist’s path at the last second.

“I think I’m very happy that my sister is ok.”

Routt County Sheriff’s Officer Stephen Harbison said Lydia’s action saved her sister from serious bodily injury or possible death.

He presented her with the Lifesaving Medal at a ceremony at the school today. He says it is the first time the medal has been awarded outside of local law enforcement staff.

Other law enforcement officers were also present, as was Lydia’s family.

Law enforcement was able to catch the man who did it, who was identified as Pedro Lopez Garcia of Steamboat Springs, who was found guilty of “overtaking a school bus.” Two other charges were dismissed.

 Video of Ceremony — North Routt Community Charter School student honored with Lifesaving Medal