BBR honors local service personnel

Fire Chief Ed Sherrell (right) introduced firefighters to an appreciative crowd at Black Butte Ranch.

A picnic celebration on Saturday honored local fire, police and Forest Service personnel and staff members who fought the Cache Mt. fire that threatened Black Butte Ranch.

Several hundred people gathered on the BBR athletic field, adjacent to Big Meadow golf course, for a meal of ribs, corn and trimmings -- along with messages of gratitude.

"They made a stop (of the fire) you can't do," BBR Fire Chief Ed Sherrell told the large crowd, referring to the stand made on Fiddleneck Lane by local firefighters. Two homes were lost but dozens more were saved by their valiant efforts.

"This was a gutsy stand on a bad situation," said Chief Sherrell. "All told, there were about 1,200 firefighters engaged in the Cache Mountain fire, representing local, Forest Service and national crews. They did outstanding work for the local community."

During the afternoon ceremony, Loy Helmly, BBR manager, presented Chief Sherrell with a check for $4,000 from the BBR Association to purchase mobile defibrillators.

Douglas Kreft, Chairman of the Country House Condominium Association, also presented Chief Sherrell with a check for $3,660 from his group.

"These donations plus monies previously raised will allow us to purchase seven mobile defibrillators. All police patrol cars on duty will now have a unit plus two units at Big Meadow and two at Glaze Meadow golf courses on the Ranch," said Sherrell.

Helmly also presented BBR Police Chief Gil Zacarro with a check for $2,500 from the BBR Association for six new radio units and battery chargers.

Helmly also announced $2,000 being donated to the Wildland Firefighters Association in memory of fallen firefighters as well as $500 donated to the American Red Cross for the help they gave residents during the fire emergency.

"I'd like to personally thank each one of these people who took part in the fire effort," said BBR resident Pat Vandewater. "It's what makes Black Butte Ranch so special."

Jean Nave, BBR resident, announced that her book "Wild Fire hits Black Butte Ranch" will be out by Thanksgiving. It will be a remembrance of the fire through the words of those that were there, said Nave.

"Profits from the book will go to the Black Butte Ranch Historical Society and the Black Butte Ranch fire department," she said.

"This is what BBR is all about," said Loy Helmly. "The spirit of family, camaraderie and the entire community helping. I don't think I'd trade it for anything."

Several people commented on how helpful was the coverage on http://www.nuggetnews.com, particularly for out-of-towners.

Chief Ed Sherrell announced that a Channel 8 news tape of the fire events would soon be available for viewing.

The BBR Women's Association prepared a spread of delicious desserts for the assembled group.