Family filled with gratitude, thanks for rescue effort

Words fail to express the magnitude of respect and gratitude that we have for all that were involved in the rescue efforts to find my husband, Chet Savage, when he went missing on a hike last Wednesday.

I am so very grateful and proud to live in Boundary County, where people really care about people and give so much of themselves and their time to volunteer to help others in their time of crisis and need.

With sincere gratitude to Deputy Dave Schuman of the Boundary County Sheriff's Office; Mario, Dave, and crew of the Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team; Andrew O'Neel of Boundary County Emergency Services; Chaplain Len Pine and Chaplain Flo; Chief Mike Glazier and the Paradise Valley Volunteer Fire Department; Chief Allen Merritt of the South Boundary Volunteer Fire Department; Boundary Ambulance, our paramedics; the prayer groups who prayed for his safe return; the drone operators; the search helicopter out of Spokane, Wash.; Two Bear Helicopter that was also willing to come; and our neighbors Lon and Donna Merrifield. Kevin Merrifield, you were amazing!

Every entity involved in the rescue effort was so organized, professional, hardworking, caring and respectful.

Our family thanks you all from the depths of our hearts for your efforts in ensuring the safe return of our loved one.

With deep and sincere gratitude,

GEORGETTE SAVAGE

Bonners Ferry