Letter of thanks

By Chuck Cullian

The Cullian family would like to offer our sincere thanks to all of the public servants that gave their time and risked their lives to attempt to save our home from fire. The number and diversity of people and organizations that came to help us was astonishing. Scott Keener, our neighbor and long-time volunteer firefighter was first to arrive. He did his best to control the flames but the fire got too big, too fast, although he quickly used all resources available. Then started the most well-oiled display of cooperation, professionalism and bravery that we have ever witnessed.

On the scene within minutes was fire chief Chad Bollacker of the Hygiene Fire Department. He worked through the night leading, coordinating and controlling a cast of a hundred or more firefighters, police and fire investigators to fight the fire and protect us and our property. J. J. Hoffman, chief of the Lyons Fire Protection District worked closely with Chad to orchestrate one of the smoothest operations we have ever seen. Personnel from Hygiene, Lyons, Left Hand, Berthoud and Longmont, most of them volunteers, displayed courage, expertise and cooperation working together on our behalf. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office was on hand during the fire to answer questions, aid in logistics and eventually, after the fire was out, secure the property with overnight, on-site surveillance. The Longmont Emergency Unit provided support controlling access to the site. They shuttled official personnel, family, and support personnel up the hill to our house while making sure not to interfere with the battle against the fire.

Among the support that arrived was The Red Cross, who brought and distributed food and drink to all of us and the firefighting team as well as helped arrange shelter for us the night of the fire; our family members who provided us love and support as we watched 30-years of our life go up in flames; and our Pastor, Dan Hansen of Faith Community Lutheran Church who led us in prayer thanking God for our safety, praying for the safety of the team and enlisting His help for us in coping with the future challenges.

During the blaze, there was steady effort addressing the tasks of controlling the flames but individual firefighters went the extra mile to don their breathing apparatus to go into peril to retrieve some of our most important memorabilia. There was on female firefighter that came out of the blaze with a purse and another brave man that went into one of the hottest parts of the fire to look for our daughters' volleyball posters which were unfortunately lost to the flames. Although we don't know their names, their efforts and kindness is clear in our minds. These were only a few samples of the generosity and empathy shown for us by many during the night.

There aren't enough words to properly acknowledge and thank all those who worked on our behalf that night and although many remain unnamed, the unmistakable conclusion we have reached is that we are protected and cared for by many who, until now, we never recognized were on the job for us 24-7. A huge thank you is offered to all that served us! We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the countless number of people in our community who offered to help us during this tough time. These individuals include family, friends, even total strangers, who offered us lodging, food and other essentials that would aid in the recovery process. The love and compassion shown has helped immensely in our healing after this tragic event.