Dear Editor: Shortly after the Cow Creek Fire happened in 2019, I decided to join the Ridgway Fire Department.

I had met Chief Chris Miller while having a test hole dug for my future septic system. It wasn’t long that I realized he was everywhere helping the community. Ridgway Fire, Ouray Fire, Skijoring, rodeo, etc. There are a handful of people like Chris in the community and most all of them are firefighters.

With approximately 25 people on the department, there was a lot to learn. I decided ...