ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) -- Talk with Arapahoe County patrol deputy Zoi Simmons for just a moment and you will find yourself with a smile.

Simmons is a four-year veteran of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, five and a half years with the Denver Sheriff’s Department and before that she was with the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Deputy Simmons approach to law enforcement is community driven.

“I am passionate about it. Ever since I went to school at Colorado State University, being on a team because I was a college athlete, I played basketball there for four years so we would have to interact with the community,” Simmons said.

These days the word “hero” is used a lot incorrectly, but Deputy Simmons is, by definition, a real hero. She went into a burning home to rescue the occupant.

“The call came out as of a house was on fire. There was a lady that ended up going back into the house, so I decided to go into the house. I ended up going upstairs to find her and end up taking her downstairs and out of the house,” Simmons said.

If Deputy Simmons had a fan club, her number one supporter would be her wife Sheila Chehelakhtarani.

“This is the love of my life. I don’t want her going out and getting hurt but I trust her and I know that she’s strong and can get through things,” Chehelakhtarani said.

This month Sheila presents the Support the Shield recognition to Deputy Simmons.

“I love you so much and I just wanted everyone out there to know how amazing you are as well so here you go, babe. Thank you, I appreciate you,” Chehelakhtarani said.

We appreciate Deputy Simmons as well.