Dear Editor:
A huge, heartfelt “thank you” goes to all those responsible for battling the Strawberry Creek Fire.
When a lightning strike from a previous storm came to life on our property, our neighbors, Ken and Joan Abbott, spotted the smoke, called 911 and rushed to our home to help save it from the fire. Thank you Ken and Joan. You are amazing in every way.
To Meeker Fire and Rescue, Fire Chief Marshall Cook and his many volunteer men and women who spent hours working to control the fire and then troubleshoot throughout the night and all the next day—Thank you!
To the BLM fire crew, working in cooperation with all of the local and extended firefighting agencies that unselfishly and professionally battle an unpredictable and highly volatile inferno – Thank you!
To the helicopter crew, slurry plane and the D-8 Cat operators who are fearless and persistent—Thank you!
To the ambulance crew members who provided refreshments and kind words—Thank you!
To Sheriff Anthony Mazzola, Sgts. Glen Wilson and John Scott and all the participating Rio Blanco County deputies and Meeker Police departments for you firefighting efforts and management decisions—Thank you!
To the technicians of White River Electric who worked calmly and quickly to turn the electricity off during the chaos of the fire and for rewiring and restoring our power the very next day—Thank you!
To our many friends, neighbors and acquaintances who have offered words of comfort and their help—Thank you!
In a paraphrase it is said, “Out of hardship comes blessings.” We are incredibly lucky and blessed by every person and agency that helped fight this fire and by those who continue to offer their services.
Drive down Strawberry in the spring, when the blessings of the fire will bring a lush carpet of green.
With Gratitude,
Onea and Michelle Miller
Meeker
