City officials acclaim heroics of local law, fire for Labor Day weekend

This special “Thank You” comes from the heart and includes so many in its intent. On behalf of the City of Ritzville and the City Council and its Mayor, we wish to express our gratitude for all your efforts and protection over Labor Day weekend.

Our fire department and Chief Andy Lefevre spent so many hours fighting fire to save homes and property – they are all to be commended. We have a tremendous, very well trained volunteer fire department in our community.

It seems on that weekend that incidences weren’t to stop there. On Monday, as you know, we had a bomb threat at Starbucks. Chief Dave McCormick and our city police department quickly became involved as well as the Washington State Patrol and our county sheriff’s department.

Officer Mark Cameron was on duty and took charge of the evacuation procedures. I want to complement each of the law enforcement departments as they supported and worked well together.

Tim Wellsandt and Dennis Sackmann were the firemen to enter Starbucks with the manager to search the facility. They were not appointed; they volunteered.

This incident being a “first” for Ritzville was taken care of very efficiently and professionally. We thank each and every one of you for your service.

Mayor Linda Kadlec and City Council