Firefighter-Paramedic Colby Rupert and his partner were responding to an emergency when a bus heading southbound on I-15 struck their vehicle. This occurred early Saturday morning, March 18, 2006 just north of Primm. The force of the impact caused the rescue unit to ram an ambulance unit, which, in turn, struck a small pickup truck that was the object of the original call. The bus came to rest about 30 feet off the highway.

Rupert and his partner were still in their vehicle at the time of the collision and received painful injuries as a result. Nonetheless, Paramedic Rupert administered aid to a number of passengers on the bus. According to a report by NHP Trooper Tom Bostelman, at the scene, "Firefighter Colby carried a generator and Jaws of Life from the crashed rescue truck to the Greyhound bus while dragging his injured leg at times. His hands were in great pain from being injured and the cold. Despite his serious injuries he ignored his wounds and aided injured persons in a desperate and critical accident scene. Only after assistance arrived sometime later did Firefighter Rupert receive medical treatment. He had to be literally forced to stop assisting others so he could receive medical attention."

Rupert and his partner were released from the hospital later that morning and will be off duty while recovering. Rupert was hired by the department in January 2003 and had served in the Marines and US Army (attended Army Rangers School prior) 1993-2003.