It's one of those moments we hope never comes, a co-worker collapses and all of the sudden it's a crisis situation.

For two teachers at Clifton Elementary School, that became a reality back on December 12.

Tuesday, they were honored for their service to a fellow, lifelong educator.

"You kind of just react, you don't think about it, it's just instincts take over," Clifton Elementary secretary Linda Steavens said.

It was just a normal day at school for Steavens and teacher Joe Zeni, but all that was about to change...

"They called me to intervene, and I came up as well, and supported what Linda was doing, and then I took over," Zeni said.

What Linda was doing was trying to save the life of 71- year- old William Edwards, a substitute teacher, who had been teaching in Mesa County for almost twenty years.

"He had earned that right not to have to substitute anymore, but he apparently felt that commitment to kids," Zeni said.

Edwards had collapsed from an apparent heart attack.

Linda and Joe sprang to action, calling emergency responders, performing CPR and keeping staff at the school calm.

"It was just emotional and kind of frightening, because I had never experienced anything like that before,” Steavens said. “But instincts kind of just told me to take over."

Despite their efforts, they were unable to save Edwards.

Tuesday, at the district school board meeting, in front of fellow Clifton Elementary School teachers and staff, the two were presented with awards from the Red Cross.

The awards recognized their lifesaving efforts last December

Zeni says the support is a testament to the Clifton Elementary School community, and how they can band together in a time of need.
"Everyone is supportive, even when things are a little rough and tough, and everyone comes back and says you're doing a good job," Zeni said.

After receiving their awards, Steavens and Zeni shared that Edwards was substituting for a kindergarten music class the day he died, and was able to sing a song with the students, what they feel is a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to teaching young kids.