WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 42
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Guardians of safety and well-being Colorado holds the Heroes Gala honors first responders who help address community’s mental health crisis
most patents in its regional group State also has the most by women inventors BY TAMARA CHUANG THE COLORADO SUN
Weekly during the event. “To include the vital partnerships.” Located at the exclusive Signature Aviation private jet hangar at Centennial Airport, the event included the opportunity for attendees to get an up-close look at the variety of vehicles, aircraft and tools used to assist the community during emergencies.
By opening a regional office in Denver 10 years ago, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is fulfilling a mission to better reach inventors where they live. The Rocky Mountain Regional Office in Denver, the second of five to open outside of the Washington, D.C.-area headquarters, has seen a steady growth of patents from residents within its nine-state jurisdiction. Colorado, the most populated of the nine, holds the most patents in the regional group, as well as the most by women inventors. “There’s a hotbed here around Denver,” said Kathi Vidal, director of the whole patent office who was in town for the 10-year anniversary. “The data shows that once you have women patentees, you tend to have more women patentees. But it’s also spreading out into other areas.” In Colorado, 23% of 53,000 patent holders in the past 10 years were
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Cpl. Grant Collins of the Lone Tree Police Department and Mental Health Clinician Sophia Lind of the Douglas County Community PHOTO BY HALEY LENA Response Team were awarded with the Law Enforcement Hero of the Year award. BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After a year that involved dangerous fires, numerous thefts, drug busts and the loss of life, first responders across Douglas County were recognized for their actions at the second annual Douglas County Community Foundation Heroes Gala. The event, which drew hundreds
of attendees, took place on Sept. 13. From law enforcement, fire rescue, members of the armed forces and military veterans, the event honored local heroes, including those involved with nonprofit organizations that have a hand in aiding the community. “Tonight we honor all of those heroes who serve our community,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren
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