SAN LUIS VALLEY—The Dusty Crophopper Award is given annually to a first responder who represents the qualities that made Dusty Claunch a well-respected and loved citizen of the San Luis Valley.
Claunch worked as an EMT and as a sheriff’s deputy. He was a very generous and giving person that made everyone feel special. Claunch would come to the aid of anyone who asked.
If someone called Dusty in need, he never hesitated, he just asked when and where he needed to be.  
The Dusty Crophopper Big Heart Award was founded to recognize fellow first responders who demonstrate these characteristics for which Dusty was so well-known, such as generosity, loving, kind, fun loving, helpful, sensitive, energetic, loyal and friend.
The Third Annual Dusty Crophopper Big Heart Award saw a large number of nominees. These nominations come from first responders around the Valley. This year’s award went to Mineral County Sheriff Fred Hosselkus.  
Hosselkus was nominated as the “kindest, most generous, honorable man you could be lucky enough to meet. If you run out of gas, have a flat tire, need a place to stay or need a ride somewhere, Sheriff Fred is your go-to guy. He places everyone’s well-being before his own,” stated the nominator.  
Hosselkus is very deserving of this award that was given during the recent TSJC EMS Symposium.  Award sponsors felt Hosselkus deserved this award as he certainly has a big heart, as did Dusty.  
Thank you Fred, for your committed service to your community!