When Transportation Gravel Roads Foreman Daniel Smith saw an SUV hovering over a precipice above the Peak-to-Peak highway, balanced with just one wheel fully on the ground, he knew he had to act fast. Three young men were trapped in the vehicle, afraid to climb out or even move because every shift in weight made the SUV teeter precariously.

Smith didn't wait for emergency responders to arrive. He maneuvered his County truck behind the SUV and hooked a chain between the two vehicles to keep the SUV from sliding off the embankment and tumbling down onto the highway below. Smith then gathered rocks and put them behind each of his truck's tires to provide added traction and ensure the safety of both vehicles.

Indian Peaks Fire Protection District workers arrived and called for a rescue rig with a winch. While they waited for the rig to arrive, Smith helped rescue workers keep the SUV occupants calm.

"Dan Smith was willing and able, and he reacted quickly and correctly to prevent a serious accident from progressing to what could have been a horrible accident," Indian Peaks Fire Protection District Chief Norman Bowers said. "It is very likely that Dan Smith's actions prevented serious injury or death from occurring."

For his actions - as well as his general excellence in doing his everyday job - Smith was named the December Employee of the Month by the County Commissioners.

Smith has worked for Boulder County for nine years. For eight of those years, he worked out of the Nederland shop, plowing roads. Last year, he became Gravel Roads Foreman.

"I have dealt with accidents before, out there plowing out of Nederland," Smith said. "But nothing quite like this."