GRAND JUNCTION, CO - Wearing the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office badge is more than physical, it’s a state of mind. On March 14, 2025, while driving a U-Haul of belongings through Texas, Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputy Phillip Peterson found himself in the midst of a historic sandstorm. Severe weather warnings were issued throughout the region, but the weather hit too quickly for many to safely make it off of the roads. With minimal visibility and extreme winds, cars on the road ahead of, around, and behind Deputy Peterson began crashing - ultimately causing a 40 plus car pile up on I-27 outside of Canyon, Texas. Unfortunately, his U-Haul was hit and the van driven by his wife, Krystal, carrying his children was also hit multiple times.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Deputy Peterson sprang into action. He quickly assessed his son in the passenger seat of the U-Haul and Krystal and the kids in the van. Once he knew they were okay, he turned his attention to the injured motorists around him. Deputy Peterson and Krystal cleared out the family’s belongings from the U-Haul to create a casualty collection point and began providing first aid to victims, including some in critical condition. Due to the weather and wide-spread nature, it was difficult for first responders to access the crash, though the Amarillo Fire Department executed an impressive and well-coordinated response.

Krystal and the son from the passenger seat in the U-Haul were taken by ambulance to the hospital less than an hour into the response to be evaluated and treated. Despite their own injuries, they aided other victims before receiving aid themselves. According to the Amarillo Fire Department, Deputy Peterson and the rest of his children stayed on scene while first responders brought over 15 victims to the U-Haul-turned-shelter. Deputy Peterson continued to provide aid during this time.

As a result of the incident, the Peterson family lost nearly all of their belongings that were removed from the U-Haul and their van was totaled.

In a show of gratitude for Deputy Peterson, Krystal, and the children’s efforts, the Amarillo Professional Firefighters Association presented the family with a check, the Canyon Firefighters Association provided a rental vehicle, and the Red Cross provided a gas card to help them travel home to Grand Junction, Colorado, free of charge. 

There are few words that accurately describe the actions taken by Deputy Peterson, Krystal, and the Peterson children on March 14, but heroic is absolutely fitting. Thank you, Deputy Peterson, Krystal, and kids. You all truly embody the badge.

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Below is Battalion Chief-Rescue Adam Perry’s initial message regarding Deputy Peterson, Krystal, and the Peterson children’s actions:

Deputy Chief Oehlert,

I wanted to provide you with an update on the police officer who allowed us to use his U-Haul as a casualty collection point. We were able to track him down—his name is Deputy Philip Peterson from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado. Deputy Peterson was traveling with his family of six when they were involved in the accident. His wife and several of their children were in one car, which was struck three separate times. His wife was transported to the hospital by ambulance, treated, and later released. Despite their own situation, Deputy Peterson and his wife immediately began assisting other victims, including those in critical condition.

He allowed first responders to use his U-Haul as a casualty collection point, moving his personal belongings to the ditch to make space. In near-zero visibility conditions, he and his children remained on scene as responders brought over 15 victims to the U-Haul. When no additional space was available, we attempted to move the U-Haul out of the dust storm to establish an ambulance exchange point. Once all patients had been transferred to ambulances, he drove his daughter to the hospital for evaluation.

After AFD Units returned to the station, Driver Moss reached out and asked if there was something we could do to assist Deputy Peterson and his family. I informed him that I would call you, Chief. After my conversation with you, I contacted the union, and they agreed to provide financial assistance. They issued him a $1,000 check.

I met Deputy Peterson and his family at Walmart, where they were purchasing clothes. He had secured a hotel room but was still in need of a rental car to return to Grand Junction, Colorado. I asked if he would like for me to notify the Red Cross, and he agreed. Red Cross assured me they would do their best to assist him despite the unusual circumstances.

A short while ago, I received an update from the Red Cross: they secured an SUV rental for the family, with Canyon Fire (executive board maybe) covering the $824 cost. The Red Cross provided him with $200 for fuel. Canyon fire assisted him with getting in touch with DPS and finding where his car was towed. Red Cross also informed me that he was out at the scene recovering some of his belongings.

Given Deputy Peterson’s selfless actions—prioritizing the care of others despite his own family’s needs—I would like to formally recommend him for accommodation. His willingness to serve in such extreme conditions speaks volumes about his character and dedication.

Thank you,

Adam Perry

Battalion Chief-Rescue

Amarillo Fire Department