A homeless man in Bloomfield warned families of rising floodwaters and attempted a daring rescue, earning recognition for his bravery.
BLOOMFIELD, N.M. —
As floodwaters swept through a Bloomfield neighborhood, a homeless man risked his life to warn families and help others escape the danger.
Joseph Barrela, who has been homeless for about three years and living beneath a bridge for months, went door to door waking families and warning them about the rising water.
“We were actually sleeping inside, and then Joseph Barrela, he came and knocked on the door, pounded, made sure he waited here till we were awake,” Lonnie Campbell said.
Campbell said Barrela’s warning made all the difference.
“We were able to save vehicles. Our dogs, our dogs would have been underwater. My grandparents got out in time, I was able to get them out,” Campbell said.
Barrela had been observing the water rise days prior and noticed the danger before many others.
“The water was already coming up over the bank, many people didn’t notice that but I did,” Barrela said.
Even after neighbors evacuated, Barrela continued checking on homes.
“Across the street where your neighbors are, the water is already in their backyard, and when it rains it climbs fast,” Barrela said.
Barrela’s efforts didn’t stop there. He spotted a semi-truck surrounded by floodwaters with its lights flashing and believed someone was inside.
“After I evacuated the neighborhood, I jumped in and tried to help that truck, and I got swept away and almost died,” Barrela said.
Caught in the current, Barrela called out for rescue before finding something to hold onto. He turned to prayer in the moment.
“At that time, it was time to ask, ‘Holy Heavenly Father, please forgive me for anything I did at this moment,’” Barrela said.
“I know that you can forgive me eternally and save my eternal soul. But tonight, can you please save my flesh?” Barrela said.
His prayers were answered when help arrived.
“I got rescued, and from there I was able to come over here and help more and help around a little bit more,” Barrela said.
Now, Barrela is volunteering at First Baptist Church in Bloomfield, assisting other flood victims. While his neighbors call him a hero, Barrela credits someone else.
“No, God’s the hero. I don’t like to hear it because God is the hero. He’s the one that gives us strength,” Barrela said.
For San Juan County residents still recovering from the flooding, information on resources and recovery assistance can be found through the county’s Office of Emergency Management.
