When floodwaters surged through a Bloomfield, New Mexico neighborhood, the person who risked everything to save lives was someone many might have overlooked. Joseph Barrela, a man who had been living under a bridge for months, became a lifeline for families who had no idea danger was approaching.
For approximately three years, Barrela had experienced homelessness, spending recent months sheltered beneath a local bridge. His location gave him a unique vantage point to monitor the rising waters over several days, alerting him to the imminent threat before most residents realized what was happening.
Going door to door as danger escalated
Rather than seeking his own safety when the flood reached critical levels, Barrela made the decision to alert sleeping families in the surrounding area. He knocked persistently on doors, refusing to leave until he knew people were awake and aware of the emergency.
Lonnie Campbell, one of the residents Barrela warned, recalled the urgent visit. “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,” Campbell said.
Thanks to Barrela’s determination to wait at the door despite the rising water, Campbell successfully evacuated his grandparents and managed to save their vehicles and dogs from the flood. Even after confirming these neighbors were safe, Barrela continued checking additional homes in the area.
A rescue attempt that nearly cost him his life
After ensuring the neighborhood had been evacuated, Barrela noticed a semi-truck stranded in the floodwaters with its lights flashing. Believing someone might be trapped inside, he entered the water to attempt a rescue. “After I evacuated the neighborhood, I jumped in and tried to help that truck, and I got swept away and almost died,” Barrela said.
The powerful current overtook him, sweeping him away from safety. In that terrifying moment, he managed to grab onto something and called out for help. While clinging to survival, he turned to prayer.
“At that time, it was time to ask, ‘Holy Heavenly Father, please forgive me for anything I did at this moment,'” Barrela said. He continued, “I know that you can forgive me eternally and save my eternal soul. But tonight, can you please save my flesh?”
Rescue personnel eventually reached him and pulled him from the dangerous waters. Remarkably, once he was safe, Barrela immediately resumed his efforts to assist others affected by the disaster.
Continuing to serve after the flood
In the aftermath of the flooding, Barrela has dedicated his time to volunteering at First Baptist Church in Bloomfield, where he helps other flood victims access resources and support. Those affected in San Juan County can still find recovery assistance through the county’s Office of Emergency Management.
While the community he saved considers him a hero, Barrela deflects the praise. “No, God’s the hero,” he said. “I don’t like to hear it because God is the hero. He’s the one that gives us strength.”
His actions during the flood demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to others despite his own vulnerable circumstances. Without material possessions to offer, he provided something far more valuable—his courage, strength, and willingness to put others’ lives before his own safety.
