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Larimer County presents Ranger Brendan Unitt Community Service Award to Ricardo Perez
Summary
Larimer County honored Ricardo Perez, public engagement coordinator in the Office of Emergency Management, with the 2025 Ranger Brendan Unitt Community Service Award for his volunteer work creating a youth soccer program and supporting underserved residents at Nueva Vita Mobile Home Park; a $1,000 donation will seed his program.
Larimer County presented the 2025 Ranger Brendan Unitt Community Service Award to Ricardo Perez, recognizing his volunteer work creating a youth soccer program, securing equipment and fencing for Nueva Vita Mobile Home Park, and connecting residents with resources.
The award, established in 2021 to honor Ranger Brendan Unitt’s service and sacrifice, was announced by County Manager Lorinda Volker and Commissioners including Kristen Stevens and Jody Shattuck McNally. Volker reminded attendees that Unitt “lost his life while rescuing distressed swimmers during a sudden severe storm on Horsetooth Reservoir” on 08/20/2020. Jill Mosche of the Larimer County Guiding Principles Champions introduced Perez as the 2025 recipient.
“True service goes beyond simply volunteering. It’s about giving even when you’re already stretched,” Commissioner Jody Shattuck McNally said, describing the qualities the award recognizes. The county said previous recipients’ volunteer work totals more than 50,000 hours and that this year’s award drew more than 40 nominations.
Perez, who works as public engagement coordinator in Larimer County’s Office of Emergency Management, has volunteered with Nueva Vita Mobile Home Park, La Familia, the JEDI coalition, and the Northern Colorado Community Foundation. According to presenters, he organized donations of soccer goals, helped arrange a fence for a neighborhood field, and brought in professional players and community leaders to create safe play opportunities. As part of the award, a $1,000 donation from the county was directed to the Ricardo Perez youth soccer program managed by the Community Foundation.
Accepting the award, Perez thanked Unitt’s family and his own, describing his roots in Mexico and his commitment to serving underserved residents in Larimer County. “I’m very grateful for, yeah, this incredible recognition,” he said.
The ceremony included a short tribute video about Ranger Brendan Unitt and remarks from county leaders. Organizers presented Perez with a replica of the Ranger Hat Memorial (on display at Horsetooth Reservoir) and closed the official program before a reception with photos and refreshments.
Event organizers said the award is intended to memorialize Unitt’s legacy and to spotlight county employees who demonstrate exceptional community service; the county will continue to display the commemorative ranger hat in the commissioners’ office.
