Giving Thanks, Where Thanks Is Due
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Dear Fellow Coloradan,
So far this year, Colorado has seen some of the most destructive fires in its history. During the past several weeks, thousands of firefighters have been deployed to Colorado to fight large-scale blazes across our state.
These first responders have put themselves in harm's way from day one in order to protect Colorado families, communities and businesses. In my work to ensure that Colorado receives the full support of the federal government to contain and extinguish the fires, I have had the opportunity to meet some of these brave men and women who have risen to the challenge when we needed them most.
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During a recent visit to the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport in Jefferson County, I thanked the air tanker crews providing critical air support in the fight to contain the High Park and Flagstaff fires. During a recent trip to Grand Junction, I also had the chance to thank smoke jumpers fighting the Pine Ridge Fire at the BLM airfield while they were repacking their chutes. And both President Obama and I were privileged to be able to thank first responders in Colorado Springs at the site of the Waldo Canyon Fire just a few weeks back. Their dedication and hard work to protect our communities, homes and families is truly inspiring.
I commend the courage and bravery of each firefighter who selflessly put his or her life on the line to ensure the safety and well-being of tens of thousands of Coloradans. As an important gesture of gratitude to these local heroes, I successfully worked with the Obama administration to provide seasonal firefighters with access to federal health insurance benefits.
Share your stories on my Facebook page about how firefighters have helped you and your community.
In order to further the respect and admiration we owe these men and women, I recently joined with Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah to introduce a bipartisan resolution honoring firefighters for their dedication and sacrifice, which passed the U.S. Senate last week unanimously. It is my hope that this resolution serves as a reminder that our losses would have been much greater were it not for the brave firefighters who continue their work to contain and extinguish these wildfires.
Our firefighters have worked tirelessly to protect lives and property in some of the most dangerous and unpredictable circumstances. Because of their dedication, Colorado families are better protected and our local communities better endured this tumultuous time.
As we move forward and recover from these destructive fires, I urge my fellow Coloradans to take a moment and thank our firefighters whenever possible. It is their undying spirit that helps to make Colorado such a special place to live. I feel a great sense of pride knowing our state is in good hands.
Warm regards,