Fountain Hills and Prescott!

Two small Arizona communities separated by over 100 miles but joined together by a badly broken heart in need of mending.

Continuing the healing process begun by other memorial events was the beautiful “Night of Remembrance” hosted by the Fountain Hills Holiday Inn. Over 200 guests from our town, other Arizona cities, other states and other nations gathered not only to honor the “Fallen Yarnell 19” and to raise money for their families, but also to support those firefighters who continue to do the dangerous work of saving our forests, our towns and our homes.

The evening was certainly sad at times; many tears were shed. It was also uplifting as the many town and county dignitaries offered their brief messages of support and hope.

Special recognition should be extended to Gary Lvov, the general manager of the Holiday Inn who planned the event and handled the emcee role with grace and dignity and the restaurant staff who took such pride in the role that they were playing in this special evening; Mayor Linda Kavanagh and Town Council members Tait Elkie and Cassie Hansen for their beautiful tributes; Honorary El Salvador Consul Enrique Melendez who counts both Prescott and Fountain Hills as “home;” Marilyn Higgins who greeted each person arriving with purple commemorative ribbons that she had created to wear; those who attended and contributed to The 100 Club of Arizona.

Special guest Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo was truly appreciative and seemed a bit overwhelmed by the reception he and his wife received from his “new neighbors.”

It was a lovely evening and I was glad to be a part of it.