Debra Rapozo, the president and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Collar of Duty, was chosen Tuesday as the Grand Junction Lions Club’s 2025 Hometown Hero.

In a ceremony held at Bookcliff Country Club, Rapozo had been invited to give a presentation on her organization, which adopts dogs from animal shelters, trains them to perform service dog duties, and provides them to military veterans in the region. To her surprise, the entire focus of the gathering was to honor her achievements with a plaque, a bouquet of flowers and a $1,000 check to Collar of Duty.

“I’m honestly speechless,” Rapozo told Lions Club members. “I’m very honored to receive this and very honored to work with such a great group of veterans and some amazing people. I just want to say thank you.”

To start the cerem

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