Letter to the Editor - Bear Paw Volunteers thank the efforts of all

Editor,

As the Bear Paw Volunteer Fire Department are released and make their way home, they look back on these past weeks at the major accomplishments this community pulled together to achieve, we are truly amazed and humbled.

The East Fork Fire pushed many of us to our limits and everyone pushed back with 110 percent. We want to thank the local community and surrounding areas for all they contributed to this effort. Many local businesses and people stepped up and provided for our firefighters, local ranchers and volunteers. It was more than we could ever imagine in such a short time. This took immense pressure off our dispatchers and behind-the-scenes people. Speaking of which, our dispatchers and behind-the-scenes people deserve a world of recognition for the long hours and efforts they put forward to keep the people going on the fire lines. We keep seeing the #MontanaStrong and we believe this community surpassed the idea behind this motto.

We also would like to thank the other local fire departments that quickly responded in our time of need: Big Sandy, Box Elder, Kremlin, Gildford, Chinook, St. Joe, Wildhorse, Rural Fire 1, Havre Fire Department, and Rocky Boy.

We realize there are hundreds more to thank, from the people who donated to the people who brought their equipment out and spent many long hours out front keeping us moving. It is a privilege and an honor to be part of such a great community. You will never know how much your generosity meant to the firefighters and the ranchers out on the front line. No amount of thanks will be sufficient to cover your kindness. It was truly Neighbor helping Neighbor.

Thank you and God bless

BPVF Board and Members