06/12/2025
Distinguished Citizen Award: Honoring Heroism in Action
During the June 11, 2025, Box Elder County Commission Meeting, Commissioner Lee Perry and Sheriff Kevin Potter had the honor of presenting Weston Leatherow with a Distinguished Citizen Award for his extraordinary lifesaving actions.
On the early morning of December 20, 2024, Weston and his friend, Christopher Pebley, were duck hunting west of Willard Bay when an unexpected accident turned their outing into a critical emergency. Chris was thrown from their boat, suffering a severe leg injury from the propeller. What followed was 30 minutes of heroic effort that ultimately saved a life.
Weston immediately got Chris back into the boat, kept him conscious and calm, and managed to communicate detailed updates with 911 dispatch, relaying their remote location and receiving emergency first aid instructions. With no formal training but recalling a TV episode he’d seen, Weston crafted a makeshift tourniquet to slow the bleeding. He pushed their 20-foot boat sideways through 250 yards of knee-deep water, never leaving Chris’s side. He even kept track of their upset hunting dog throughout the ordeal.
When first responders arrived, including Willard Fire, Life Flight, and the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, Weston handed over Chris’s care but didn’t stop there. He coordinated boat recovery, took the dog home, cleaned up the boat, and made sure the Pebley family was informed. That same day, Weston humbly said, “I’d do it again tomorrow.”
The Pebley family has expressed their deep gratitude for Weston’s quick thinking, bravery, and selfless response. Sheriff Potter noted, “In my career, I have seen many people perform amazing feats. After hearing both your and Chris's perspectives on the incident, it is clear that this situation could not have been handled better. I commend you for your remarkable and courageous response.”
We also want to thank the full team of emergency responders who made this rescue possible:
Box Elder Communications Center-BECC 911 dispatchers Jenny P**n and Tyne Myer, Willard Fire (500, 501, 501 Airboat), Squad 51, Box Elder Ambulance 22, Rescue 21, Life Flight, Perry City Police Department, Utah Department of Natural Resources, and our Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Deputies.
Weston Leatherow, your actions exemplify true courage and compassion. Thank you for reminding us what a community hero looks like. 💛
