To the Residents of Longmont:

Our community experienced two horrific tragedies in the last couple of days. Three family’s lives and those of their friends were devastated. Our community’s senses were shocked as unimaginable and unforgettable similar but singular circumstances unfolded within hours of each other. People from all over our community are questioning why these tragedies occurred and are saddened and scared about what happened.

On behalf of our entire Public Safety team, I want to extend our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the families impacted by these tragedies. Please know with certainty that our community will support you in any and all ways possible. You are a part of us and you belong with us in our community. While there will be caring people who reach out to help you, never hesitate to ask for what you need. I can assure you our community will be there for you.

No doubt, our community will be in pain for a while. Now is the time to come together, to say a prayer, to light a candle, to connect with others who are experiencing the pain of loss, or to do what you might do to bring healing to our community. Our community has a strong sense of belonging. We all want to feel the abundance our community has to offer. We all wish for a strong social fabric and we know our community is remarkable in its resiliency. And the more we can gather and support each other, the more we all feel a sense of belonging and the more we can begin to heal our wounded-ness.

I know each and every person who serves in Longmont Public Safety (Fire, Police, Office of Emergency Management, 9-1-1 Longmont Emergency Communications Center). During response and follow-through to these tragedies, I was in awe of how our people cared for others who are in deep pain, how our personnel skillfully performed their assignments and how everyone supported and watched out for each other. I can only express my deepest gratitude to those people who chose this profession knowing its dangers and exposures that can wear and tear on our souls and psyches.

I have lived in our community for many years. I know, firsthand, the nature of our goodness which is so plentiful and in our midst. I know of the gifts of many, many people. I know of the spirit of care and kindness that either randomly or with intention is so alive and well. I know of the humanity that plays out every day amongst and between people everywhere in our community. I have personally walked numerous neighborhoods in the last year and have experienced the warmth of our residents. And while these two dark acts are real and with us, we do live in a safe community and a community that overflows with grace and graciousness.

A gathering is being planned for residents to come together and aid in our healing. We urge anyone that lives in Boulder County and are having difficulty dealing with the emotional impact of recent events to call the Boulder County Mental Health Center (open 24-hours a day) at (303) 447-1665, you may also walk into the clinic (open 24-hours a day) at 1000 Alpine Avenue in Boulder. For others located in Colorado, you may call the Colorado State Crisis Line at 1-844-493-8255.

Mike Butler, City of Longmont, Longmont Public Safety Chief