Community unites during tragedy

Many might know that there was a house fire in Ritzville on Saturday. This fire was a large loss to the family and nothing I say will make that better. I would like to commend the officers and firefighters on a swift and professional job that they did. People will see us on Monday night either at the fire station or out and about in the community. This is our training night where we train in fire ground operations. As the training officer I’d like to thank all the firefighters for the time they spent on those Monday nights. At the fire all those Monday nights became real and the training showed.

I’d like to thank the rest of the team that helped out that day. Thanks to the dispatchers for their quick callout and getting additional help and services when we needed it. Thanks to Chief McCormick’s City police force and the Washington State Patrol for scene control. Avista’s response to secure the utility services to keep the scene safe. The hospital and the crew from the Ritzville Volunteer Ambulance who responded and did rehab to keep the firefighters safe. The ministerial society for its role in helping the displaced family. The neighbors who brought drinks and help to the firefighters and if I missed anyone, thank you also.

In times when you hear of communities coming apart and violence being committed against police and first responders it’s special to see a community come together as it did on Saturday in Ritzville.

Jim Bostic, Ritzville