Sierra Vista honors Raymond Rivera with Sentinel of Life award after roadside rescue

The Sierra Vista City Council presented the Sentinel of Life Medal to Raymond Rivera at its May 28 meeting in recognition of his actions on May 2.

Chief Don Foster described how Rivera, alerted by yelling in the early morning hours near Second Street and Fry Boulevard, returned to the scene and operated a jack/compressor to raise a trailer that had pinned a service technician. "Through your brave and compassionate actions, you stood as a sentinel between life and loss," the citation read as the medal was presented on behalf of the people of Sierra Vista.

Rivera told the council he was tired and driving home when he thought he heard someone yelling, turned back and found the victim. "...something in my pit of my stomach told me turn back," Rivera said, adding that he was taught to help when someone needs you.

Council members congratulated Rivera and called his action an example of civic responsibility.

Why it matters: The presentation highlighted a citizen’s quick action that officials said likely saved the injured man from permanent loss of use of his arm and served as a moment to publicly recognize community service.