(Tribune News Service) — A station commander at an Evans, Colo., Army recruiting office didn’t think twice to jump into action when he saw an assault just outside the office.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Logan, a former military police officer, hopes to inspire others to step up in times of need after his heroic actions helped a teen girl to safety.

Logan works as an army recruiter at the U.S. Army Recruiting Office in Evans. Before the assault this past month, he never expected his military background in defense would come in handy in his current role.

At 11:30 a.m., March 16, Evans police responded to a domestic violence assault in the 3200 block of 23rd Avenue, according to officer Fernando Miramontes. There, officers contacted a restaurant employee who overheard a juvenile male and female arguing in the front lobby. The two engaged in a “shoving match” before the male dragged her out and across the parking lot toward the U.S. Army Recruiting Office.

Several employees at the office, including Logan, witnessed the male place the victim in a headlock and hit her in the face. When Logan saw the distress on the girl’s face, he and another employee immediately jumped into action to intervene.

“Act quickly was the first part,” Logan said. “It just felt really good to help in that situation.”

Logan placed himself between the two teenagers. The boy pushed and threatened Logan as he kept them separated. Eventually, Logan and another employee escorted the victim back to her job.

“If Christopher did not intervene, it is unknown what would have happened to the victim that day,” Miramontes said.

For 12 years, Logan served as military police and was deployed several times to Iraq and Afghanistan. There were times throughout his military career when he felt he didn’t act quickly enough or didn’t intervene when he should have. This time around — when he caught glimpse of the assault between the juveniles — he knew he needed to do something right away.

“SFC Logan sprang into action to protect and defend just like he has always been trained,” Army Recruiter Ryan Grant said.

The decision to assist didn’t just stem from a military background, Logan said. Helping out is how he was raised. Logan grew up in a small town in Montana where everyone looked out for one another.

“I think (Sgt. Logan) did a noble act of service for the victim and to society,” Miramontes said. “His selflessness to intervene and quick thinking potentially saved a life and stopped an act of violence toward another person.”

Logan wishes more people would help out in those types of situations, with an understanding there are dangerous situations where bystanders should not intervene to avoid further injury or escalation.

But there are times when altercations can be avoided or deescalated if someone steps up, he said.

“The smallest thing could change somebody’s life forever, and I just wish more people would actually take advantage of that,” Logan said.

The victim’s parents personally thanked Logan for getting their daughter to safety. Logan often didn’t hear from people appreciating his work during his time as a military police officer. Now, he appreciates the opportunity to see people’s gratitude for his past and current actions.

“Thank you for your service,” Miramontes said about Logan. “Thank you for stopping an act of violence toward women. Also, thank you for being a fearless leader by restoring faith in humanity by standing up against violence.”

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