Dear Editor:
Our community of Elk Springs Ranch thanks all of the fire fighting, law enforcement and other government and non-government agencies that participated in the response to the Weber Canyon Fire. From the first flame, through the personal and calming notification to evacuate, during the orderly evacuation, throughout the active protection of our homes and surroundings, and through the thankful lifting of our evacuation order, we experienced outstanding professionalism and extraordinary empathy and courtesy at the agency level and, in fact, to a person.
Local/regional groups (including our own Mancos Fire and Law enforcement departments who took those necessary and imminent first steps that were superb), that responded and which we would like to commend include:
Dolores Fire Protection District, Pleasant View Fire Protection District, Lewis Arriola Fire Protection District (One unit with Mancos and two with local Type III team), Cortez Fire Protection District (One unit Friday night with Mancos, one unit with overhead team thru out), Rico Fire Department, Durango Fire & Rescue Authority, Fort Lewis Mesa Fire, San Juan County New Mexico (although without a mutual aid agreement, they came knowing they would not be paid); and Montezuma County Sheriffs Department.
The only reason we can move forward is because of all of their concerted and coordinated efforts. It is inspiring to know that we have emergency professionals available, superbly trained and always ready to offer support and assistance. We have here in Mancos, Montezuma County and the Four Corners a real community of professionals who not only talk the talk, but walk the walk with us.
With heartfelt gratitude, Elk Springs Ranch is proud to be making a substantial donation to the Mancos Fire Protection District in all of your names, as you all are number one in our thoughts.
Gary H. Harding
President Elk Springs Ranch Homeowners Association