Father And Son Honored For Finding Lost Rogers Co. Girl

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

CLAREMORE, OK -- A Rogers County father and son received some much deserved recognition on Tuesday.  Chub and Chaz Brewer were in the spotlight because they heard a need and responded.  As a result, a little girl's life was saved.

Chub and Chaz Brewer are among the most unassuming, quiet and modest two men you'll ever meet.  They're a little flustered at all the attention.  Yet, what they did is worthy of plenty of pomp and circumstance.

"We had some guys rise to the call and save a little girl's life," said Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton.

It was August 3 when two-year-old Cari Thomas wandered away from her parent's campsite near Lake Oologah.  Rescuers rushed to the area to begin searching every inch of nearly 80 acres.

08/03/2009 Related Story: Two-Year-Old Tulsa Girl Found Safe Near Oologah Lake

"We were certainly overwhelmed with the idea our mission from the start was probably an impossible one," said Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton.

No one gave up.  There were 100 people, boats, choppers, four-wheelers, but after nearly nine hours, things were looking grim.  Chaz Brewer saw the news.

"It really was on channel 6," said Chub Brewer.

While most people would've thought it was sad story, but continued about their day, he decided to act.

"I called him and told him to get the horses saddled and I'd be home," said Chub Brewer.

The men rode through an area of rough terrain and head-tall Johnson grass and in the quiet; Chaz heard a little voice say, "Daddy."

"I got off, stuck my arms out and she stuck hers out and I picked her up," said Chaz Brewer.

Now, the father and son are being honored for their citizenship and selfless behavior.  They've eaten dinner with little Cari's family and even taken Cari's dad fishing, but to the Brewer men, this is a lot of fuss over something they view as ordinary.

"We're ordinary people.  It's an honor, I know that," said Chub Brewer.

The Brewers were treated to lunch at Claremore's Hammett House restaurant and the Rogers County Commissioners will issue a proclamation in the pair's honor.