Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins will greet visitors with a new memorial that was recently dedicated to the first fallen ranger of the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources.

Brendan Unitt, a Larimer County native, died while saving two swimmers who were drowning during a severe storm event on Aug. 20, 2020. 

Family, friends, colleagues and elected officials gathered for a short dedication ceremony on Wednesday in front of the reservoir’s visitor center. Here, a memorial with a caste bronze ranger’s hat representing passion, dedication and the ultimate sacrifice sits alongside a plaque honoring Unitt.

During the ceremony, the sounds of “God Bless America” and the National Anthem were heard from a bagpipe played by Unitt’s colleague, while the United States’ flag was raised in his honor. 

“We will never forget Brendan for his energetic passion for life, desire to serve others and his contagious positive attitude. His selfless dedication to others is what it means to be a Ranger,” said Mark Caughlan, Horsetooth District Manager.

Plans to memorialize Unitt for his ultimate sacrifice have been in the works since October, but Caughlan said the department wanted to give family, friends and colleagues time to grieve and reflect on what happened, while also searching for the best possible location for the memorial.

“We had to find the perfect spot where the family could frequently visit, where it’s open to the public, and where our rangers can see it and understand who Brendan was and his life dedication to service.”

LCDNR worked alongside Unitt’s family and concluded the best spot for his memorial would be outside the visitors center.  

Unitt became a boat ranger for LCDNR in 2020, following his service in the Marine Corps which included a tour overseas. 

One week before his death, Unitt made arrangements to join the police academy to continue doing what he loved most: serving others. 

“[Unitt] was clearly dedicated to a life of service and helping others,” said Caughlan. “He was everything you could ask for in a ranger. He was passionate about helping the people, he was passionate about our natural resources.

“This memorial represents Brendan’s spirit of service to others, and he will now be among us into perpetuity.”