Members of the Leavenworth Community,
This letter is a bit different from previous letters. Today, I want to share with you the letter I wrote to the over 2,000 firefighters and emergency response crews who have been working tirelessly in and around our community since the nearby wildfires broke out a month ago. Soon, you will see a banner hanging at the old car wash site to thank these “working guests”. As we are preparing to celebrate the grand tradition of Oktoberfest here in our town, I hope you will also take a moment to acknowledge these extraordinary guests and extend your gratitude to them. Truly, we would not be celebrating without the dedication of these firefighters and emergency responders!
October 2, 2025
To the Brave Firefighters and Emergency Personnel Protecting Leavenworth & the Surrounding Communities,
On behalf of our entire community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has worked tirelessly to protect Leavenworth from the Lower Sugarloaf and Labor Mountain fires.
For weeks now, you’ve stood between our homes and the flames. You’ve battled steep terrain, unpredictable winds, and relentless smoke—enduring long shifts in grueling conditions. And through it all, you’ve kept the fires at bay. Your efforts have protected our homes, our businesses, our cherished places, and the lives of our residents. That is no small feat, and we do not take it for granted.
We know how vulnerable our small city is to wildfires. Nestled in the heart of the Cascades, surrounded by forest and steep slopes, we live with the awareness that one spark can change everything. Yet, because of your skill, your coordination, and your unwavering commitment, that spark has not reached us. You’ve held the line. You’ve made the difference.
Yes, the smoke has been thick. Our skies have been hazy, and our air has been unhealthy. But we know it could be so much worse. We’ve seen what these fires have done elsewhere. We’ve watched the maps, the updates, the shifting perimeters. And each time the line holds—each time containment grows—we know it’s because of you.
I’ve spoken with residents who’ve watched your trucks roll through town, who’ve seen you on the ridgelines, who’ve waved as you passed. In those moments, there’s a quiet reverence. A recognition that you are doing something extraordinary—risking your own safety to protect ours.
So, thank you. Thank you for your courage, your endurance, your professionalism, your teamwork, and your sacrifice. Whether you’re from nearby or from across the country, you are now part of our story—part of our community. And we will never forget what you’ve done for us.
When the smoke clears, and it will, we’ll remember this season not just for the fires, but for the people who showed up and stood strong. You are heroes in every sense of the word. Vielen Dank!!
With gratitude and respect,
Carl Florea
Mayor | Office of the Mayor
cflorea@col.dev.3sherpas.com
