KIRKSVILLE,MO -- Webster's dictionary defines hero as a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities.
The men and women who came to the aid of Jeff Pitts on that December night, said it was something they would do all over again.
Kirksville utility worker Mike Hines said it was a night that he will never forget.
Hines was the first man on the scene to lend aid to Deputy Pitts.
He did simply what anyone would do, help someone in need.
"I am appreciative they thought of me enough to give me an award. I don't feel like I done anything. I mean I just, I think anybody would do what I done" said Hines.
Deputy Sheriff Jeff Pitts was removing a deer along side Highway 6 on December 2, 2010. Pitts fell into a culvert hitting his head and becoming unconscious.
He was air lifted to University Hospital in Columbia where he started his road to recovery.
Adair County Sheriff Robert Hardwick knew the community would step up during this time.
"This is a very caring community. I have known that for a long time and when situations come about you can ask for help and this community will pull together and come together" said Hardwick.
The community came together this evening at the NEMO fairgrounds.
A silent auction was held to raise money for Deputy Pitts medical expenses.
"It's heartwarming that a community would come together and do that for one person. It's just heartwarming" said Jeff Pitts mother, Georgina Pitts.
A small ceremony was also held to award those who helped out save Duty Pitts life.
Pitts was also presented with the law enforcement purple heart.
Officer Pitts remains grateful for everyone who helped save his life.
In fact, he calls all of them hero's.
"In my book, in my world, they will always be hero's no matter what and they are a great group of people, super people" said Pitts.
Mike Hines said he became humble that night, but still does not consider himself a hero.
"I dont consider myself a hero, not one bit. It's just something an everyday person would do if put in that situation" said Hines.
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