www.thanksgapfireresponders.com

This site is dedicated to the men and women who serve our community: firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, CHP officers, Red Cross staff and volunteers, and others who deserve our gratitude. To post a message of thanks for those who have gone the extra mile to care for us and to protect our lives and property, send an email to post@thanksgapfireresponders.com. Photos sent as attachments will be posted. For submission guidelines click here.

Submissions will be accepted until July 18, 2008, after which time the notes will be compiled into a printed volume and distributed to all those who are thanked in these pages.

Special thanks goes to the Santa Barbara Independent and other websites that have given their readers the opportunity to find out about this site.

We were out of town during the fire and resulting evacuation. I kept tabs on the fire via the internet. Seeing the line of fire trucks on Cathedral Oaks put a lump in my throat. I couldn’t believe what was happening at home. When I first told my mother about the fire, she said she would pray for our home. I could only pray for the safety of all of you. Our area was evacuated, but with us not there, our car was not even moved to safety. All would have been lost. I am so thankful for your hard work and dedication. You saved so much. You saved our homes, our memories, and made our futures safe. We are eternally grateful for each and every one of you. God Bless.
Beth S. La Goleta Rd. Goleta

We would like to add our thanks to everything that has already been expressed. Like many others, we lived through the Painted Cave Fire and knew the potential damage that could be caused by flames powered by sundowner winds.
The fiery images of our hills burning on Wednesday and Thursday, July 2nd and 3rd will be forever etched in our minds. At that time it was hard not to believe that the entire Goleta community would be destroyed because the tasks associated with controlling the fire (which appeared to be moving quickly in 4 different directions) seemed overwhelming and nearly impossible.
Because we live between Patterson and Fairview we evacuated on July 3rd and 4th. When we returned home on July 5th, despite all of the ash still moving through the air and on most outdoor surfaces, Goleta looked as though it had been cleansed by some amazing force. We were so relieved for ourselves and for so many others that the fire had been miraculously contained to a great extent, and the depth of our gratitude for the selfless and hard work of the firefighters and other emergency personnel cannot be expressed in words. We thank you, we admire you and your dedication and your courage, and we will never forget that you saved us.
A special thanks also to the Santa Barbara Independent for timely and extremely interesting reporting on the fire. And to Ray Ford: You are a most important guardian of the geography and the spirit of the lands that surround us, and your fire-related articles were something special that only you could have created. They were works of art at a time of extreme distress, and we thank you for memorializing a very frightening experience in a way that captured the complexity of what was happening along with the unusual characters and abilities of the on-the-ground firefighters as well as others who worked and managed the fire in other capacities.
The air is becoming cleaner and we are all healing due to all of the heroic efforts of so many people.
Our very deepest thanks,

Paula Rudolph, Mark French and Penny

Dear Firefighters,
Thank you for saving our town.
Love,
Ryan Fitch & family

We will always be grateful to all the firefighters and the unsung heroes who saved us from disaster.

I was driving toward home this morning and saw the charred hillsides where you stopped the fire. I sent you all a teary ‘thank you’ from my heart

Your bravery and dedication will always be remembered and appreciated. May you be wrapped in comfort and blessings as you get some well deserved rest

Terre Sanitate

Rancho del Ciervo

I was really struck by the sense of community that was evident during the fire. In addition to the fire fighters, I would like to say thanks to all the folks and neighbors in Goleta who offered help and kind words as they themselves were unsure of what the future would bring. Viva la Goleta!
Greg Lawler
Here are some more photos from the fire: http://www.zinkwazi.com/?show=2008_gap_fire

I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you, to the wonderful firefighters for working so hard on the gap fire and preventing destruction of Goleta/Santa Barbara area!! I’m so grateful for your courage and determination… greenlady 7/13/08

Thank you for saving our yard! Although we had fun riding in the car (due to evacuation) we are happy to be home safe & sound.
To all the men and women who risked their lives to save ours, you have our (and our people’s) utmost respect and gratitude

Woof Woof!
Tyson & Annabell
Vereda del Ciervo, Rancho Embarcadero

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU we are so happy to be home. When we left about 9 pm on the 3rd with the flames so close on the opposite ridge and the crazy winds, we said good bye to our house and called again for the kitty who was hiding. The next morning the house was still there and we got the cat to the Humane Society, Now a week later the house is still standing and we are all back home. Thank you for being away from your homes for so long to help us and all the other threatened communities in California, Lynn

My 12-year old neighbor (Nimisha Shinday) and I made this sign this morning.
We live in Las Varas Canyon and we are incredibly grateful for all of the hard work that the firefighters did to save our home.
I have never met a more calm, professional, or kind group of people, every single one.
People think of the fire as “over,” but they are still hard at work (I am writing as of Saturday July 11th at 5:45 pm). There are helicopters flying over our house approximately every 5 minutes as they dip into a neighboring reservoir for water. They have been doing this every afternoon and evening until sundown and it continues today.
I wish there was more we could do for the firefighters. We wish to express our deep gratitude to them, and to their families for living without their presence while they were here protecting our lives, our property, and our town.

Please know that it was with great relief, joy,almost, that we watched six or seven big firetrucks rumble up through our neighborhood during the first days of the Gap Fire.  To those of us whose homes were destroyed in the Painted Cave Fire in 1990, it meant that you all knew that we were here and that we would not be burned out again without a fight.  Thanks to you all for your great work.

Jo M

Our family wishes to thank everyone involved in keeping our families and homes safe when the Gap Fire came down the hill, way too close for comfort… From near and far, we saw fire trucks and teams dedicated from all over the state, and we are greatly appreciative for all that you do, especially in dangerous situations like these.

With much gratitude,
Kalai Kennedy Vincent and Scott Vincent
Justin and Nate Vincent too

Two photos attached:

Our boys, watching the fire from our back yard (near Cathedral Oaks, between Patterson and Turnpike), before we evacuated later that night (Wed 7/2) - to be sure we were one, or perhaps ten steps ahead, just in case!

There are so many to thank for standing strong for our community during the exceptionally trying times since the Gap Fire commenced on Tuesday, July 1. We live in the North Patterson area and were in northern California when word came of our mandatory evacuation. Our yellow labrador was being cared for by our neighbor who assured us he would not leave without the dog. Somehow he managed to load his 89- year-old mother, his wife, some personal belongings and our dog into his Honda Civic and transport everyone to his brother’s home in Ventura until the evacuation order was lifted on Sunday. Our neighbor is our personal hero, but the efforts put forth by the fire crews; the Red Cross; Direct Relief International; Dos Pueblos and San Marcos High Schools; Santa Barbara Animal Shelter; Earl Warren Showgrounds; law enforcement; media; and the many businesses; non- profits; and individuals who have been involved in the relief effort are to be supremely commended for a job well done. Thank you all for your personal sacrifices! Linda Perlin

I want to personally thank all of the firefighters who fought down the Gap Fire in Goleta over the past couple weeks.  I do not live near the fire, but I do live in a heavily wooded canyon that is potentially ripe for the same situation.  It is inspiring to know so many men and women from near and far worked extremely hard to help our community.  Thanks again!
Leslie Heintz

Thank you to all of you for your valiant efforts. We, on Las Tunas and environs, are not burning (yet), but we know our situation here is similar to those under the Gap fire, and we watched with apprehension, then relief and gratitude. Keep it up, we are all keeping you in our hearts. Sincerely, Margo and Ted Kenney 2221 Las Tunas Road

To all Firefighters who worked on the Gap Fire,

Thank you very much for your dedication to the safety of our community.  You have done an outstanding job.  Who would have thought we would not lose any homes from this fire, but your heroic stands preserved everybodies homes!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!!

John & Judy Winkel

To all of the firefighters who have helped with or are still working on the gap fire:

I cannot thank you enough for your efforts in this fire.

I live in Winchester Canyon and have owned a home there for several years.  Thanks to the reverse 911 warning/evacuation calls and your updates to the media, my wife and two children were able to safely load up our cars with our valuables and travel to our in-laws down in Ventura County, away from the smoke and ash.  We are now safely back home thanks to your heroism.

I hear the fire is 55% contained and that we are no longer the state’s top priority fire.  I pray that our fire and the rest of the fires burning in this state can soon be extinguished so you can go back to your local communities and be with your loved ones.

Thanks again for all that you do.

Dana M. Carlyle
Goleta resident

Dear Firefighters:
Thank you so much for saving our community. You are awesome.
Sincerely, Jane Covert-Lannon

Many thanks to all the firefighters, pilots, and electrical crews that helped save our homes. I smile every time I see a fire truck heading off, knowing that the brave people inside are risking their lives to fight the fire. You are all heroes. Thank you so much.
James

The mere words “thank you” do not seem like enough to express all the gratitude we feel toward the firefighters and emergency services personnel that have worked tirelessly to protect our homes and our community.  We are extremely grateful for all the effort, commitment, teamwork and dedication you have demonstrated on our behalf.  Thank you, each and every one!

Sincerely,
Marc & Shelley Hutcheson

As stress and fatigue and the fear of the unknown set in, I realized that I had little control over how events unfolded, but I began to have great faith and trust in the men and women - professionals and volunteers alike - fighting this fire at all levels. They know what they’re doing and they have the intelligence and stamina and instincts to boldly go - rivaling anything the crew of the Enterprise could do.

If I could have swaddled myself in watery veil and hand-delivered ice-cold lemonades to each of you, I would have. Or, if I could invite each of you to my home for dinner, I would. But I probably can’t, and that’s ok because it’s the thought that counts. Every time I see a truck I throw you guys a thumbs up, and you definitely deserve waaaaay more than that for protecting our homes and hillsides. Thanks so much for your relentless work. We deeply appreciate you, and also thank your communities for sharing you with us.

Kristen Joy, Rosario Park

I wish to thank all the men and women who have been protecting our homes. We were not evacuated, but we could see the fire easily from our home just off Carlo and Cathedral Oaks. A very BIG THANK YOU!
Margaret & Greg S.

Thanks for your heroic efforts. It is a real victory that no homes were destroyed.

and much aloha to all of you that worked so diligently protecting all of us. Thank you also to your families and loved ones that had to go without having you around while you gave of yourselves.
Michael La Patera Lane/Goleta

Thank you for the risks you take to keep others safe!

Clarissa

Thanks to all those involved in helping with the Gap Fire.  We are so grateful for all the incredible work that was done.  Words cannot fully express how appreciative we are to be living in a community (local & national) that contributes to the safety of all its members.  Thank you so much! Our hearts and prayers continue for the work ahead!
Ryan & Nicole in Goleta

I’m so glad someone put this site up so I could write and say THANK YOU to the people who fight fires!!! I’m blown away by the commitment and generosity of the men and women who risk their own lives to save ours. Firefighters define what it is to be a hero. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your courage and bravery and your amazing commitment to make a difference! You do it every day and I appreciate it!
Debby Peterson
Santa Barbara

. . . for risking your lives to save our lives, our homes and our land. May your life be blessed with unimaginable abundance and joy.
In love,
Yolanda and John L
Glendale, CA July 9, 2008

Dear Firefighters,
Thank you so much for all of your hard work in keeping us and our home safe.  My family and I live in Rancho Embarcadero and it was quite scary to see the flames creeping closer and closer to the avocado orchard. While the flames were growing, fire trucks drove up Vereda del Ciervo, Vereda Leyenda and Vereda  del Padre and positioned themselves in various driveways and roadways. We were then told to leave.  While I was driving out of the canyon that night I saw many fire trucks from many different areas and I thought to myself, thank you, thank you for coming to our rescue!

Sincerely,
Mary G
Rancho Embarcadero

Our sincerest appreciation and thanks for your dedication to our community’s safety. I can’t imagine the sacrifice you all make leaving your spouses, children, friends and often canceling personal plans to protect and serve – you are SuperHeroes. To Vicki M. – you are amazing, Mahalo Nui Loa my friend

Sometimes words are not enough, but for what it’s worth . . . Thank You, Mahalo, Arigato, Gracias, Merc

Debbie M, Santa Barbara

On behalf of all the Irish people here for the summer in Isla Vista, just wanted to say thanks for the incredible work you guys are doing. Have so much respect for the work you guys are doing to keep everyone safe. Thanks.

I grew up in Goleta, and my parents still live there. I was there on Monday and was very impressed with the excellent job firefighters and everyone else working on the fire had done to save Goleta and Santa Barbara, save lives, and save houses. Its amazing how little damage there has been so far. Thank you

Mara Bernstein

© Ray Ford 2008

What a difficult time it has been for so many families displaced, living in fear, and living in discomfort.
All that pales, of course, in consideration of your daily and moment to moment hard labor in fighting this fire.
Thank you for each of your personal sacrifice and exhaustive efforts.

The Stevensons

I first noticed the fire at about 6:30 on the day it started.  We were driving down the freeway on our way to dinner.  I said, “Mommy, Daddy, look at the smoke!  There’s a fire!  Call someone.  Do you think they know about it?  Should we call 911?”  Do you know what they said to me?  They, said, “Look there’s already a helicopter up there.  Don’t worry.  The fire will probably be out by the time we leave the restaurant.”  But it wasn’t.  It kept growing.  The next day it had gone from ½ acre to 10 acres to over a hundred acres.  I was really scared.  Then, we started to hear about all of the firefighters that were coming to help fight the fire.  Still the fire grew.  The smoke was so black and awful and it was right over our house!

Then they told us we were warned about evacuation.  I helped pack up my special things.  My parents took me and my brother to our grandparent’s house in Camarillo so we would be able to sleep.  The next day, they got evacuated.  But, guess what?  Then the very next day we got to go home!  Everything was covered with ash, but everything was OK.

Thanks to you our home is still standing and we are safe.  Thanks so much for all of your hard work fighting the fire.

From Noah – in Rancho Embarcadero, Tecolote Canyon.

To the firefighters of the Gap Fire:
My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for putting yourselves in the way of danger for hours and hours every day this past week to keep us all safe and to preserve the houses that hold the precious memories of our lives together.
I am overwhelmed by gratitude when I think of you local firefighters who have been battling the blaze from the beginning, and when I think of you hundreds of firefighters who came on short notice from 41 states, strangers to our area, who came to lend a hand. You are part of our community now, too: you have made a lasting contribution here. Your generosity toward people you don’t even know has made a big impression on my family, especially my young son.
We are on La Patera south of Cathedral Oaks, and watched the fire from our front yard when it started. Your work has been amazing. We cheer for you every day at the progress you have made!
The Castillo family

Dear Firefighters, My family and I lost our home in the Painted Cave fire and when the Gap Fire broke we spun into such anxiety when considering losing our house yet again to a fire ( perhaps set by another arsonist). My family and I want to thank everyone who has contributed to controlling this fire. Your hard work and generosity are greatly appreciated.

Stacey Sheldon Goleta, CA

Dear Firefighters,
Thank you for your hard work to save our house, our neighborhood, our school, and our city.
We Love You!
Jon (8) & Ben (5)

You guys are incredible!  We whose neighborhoods you saved all owe you more thanks than words can convey.

Paul Ryack
Santa Barbara, CA

Gap fire responders:
Once again, you are saving our homes and lives with an absolutely remarkable effort. We are eternally grateful.
Bobbie and Claude Vidal

Dear firefighters,
One month after moving in, we evacuated above Cathedral Oaks for three days. But we came back to a still-standing house. The chief later said that he thought “100-plus” homes might have been lost. We were geographically within “the plus.”
We owe our domestic future and overall well-being to the brave men and women who made the stand and saved our dream home. You did this, on the ground and in the air, night and day, day after day. With your skill and fortitude, you had our back. Know that we have yours going forward.
With gratitude, Abe and Suzanne P.

© Ray Ford 2008

To the awesome, tireless, dedicated, tenacious firefighters-
Thank you for your hard work on the Goleta Gap fire. I have family one block from an evacuation area, thus hourly I watched and read the reports. It is amazing how you battled this fire without loss of life. I know many of you came from fighting Big Sur and were physically taxed, yet you persevered to fight another fire. Daily you put your lives on the line for the community. The sad part of this story is that the fire was most likely caused by human error, and for that, your lives along with all the homes in the area were at risk. You firefighters are true courageous heroes.
With gratitude-Robin M

I’m sure that responding to a fire is often grueling, dirty, and thankless work. Much of it is cutting fire lines, clearing brush, and standing guard, sometimes in the middle of the night and under clouds of smoke and waves of heat. But those of us in the community want you to know how much we appreciate your efforts. Without you, much of the southwest would bee virtually uninhabitable.

Thank you all for your tireless efforts in keeping our community safe from the Gap fire.  I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for us.  I am very thankful for your hard works and pray for your continued strength, safety and to a speedy ending.

Corinne
Goleta Resident

The name of our site has changed to more accurately reflect the reality that you have been expressing - that there are many agencies that have been and continue to be responsible for our safety and well-being. Public servants from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, American Red Cross and other agencies have made sacrifices for our safety, and they deserve our thanks just as much as firefighters do. The next time you see someone in uniform, wave and say thanks. It could make their day.

Hat tip to Sharon from SBSO - thanks for the chat today.

Dear Firefighters,
God Bless all Firefighters. Without your tireless fighting we would be in peril. Let alone how time and time again you go beyond the call of duty out of the goodness of your hearts by simply pulling a few items here and there out of homes, or saving a pet, and so much more…. We appreciate your hard work and your kind hearts.
Sincerely. Lori Bonneau

We are in Chicago, far from the flames. But with friends in California, we stay glued to the news from the west coast. It is hard to comprehend the bravery it takes to move towards a fire rather than flee from from it. Our prayers are with each of you as you risk your own lives to save others.
Sandra B-W

MANY THANKS FROM THE TROUT CLUB!!

I was completely amazed by the firefighting efforts that took place not only to save our community, but also the thousands of other homes in the fire’s path. On Thursday night, after being evacuated, my neighbors and I watched from the perch at the top of Old San Marcos Road as the firefighters and air crews battled a seemingly impossible blaze. The fire was billowing up the hill and threatening to cross over into the San Jose Creek Canyon. It was an amazing sight! The flames where huge, and the air crews were simply heroic. We watched as long as we could, but eventually had to leave the mountain with only our prayers for the fire crews and our homes. Some of us returned on Friday and the authorities allowed us to stay and watch. We were very grateful and relieved to see that the fire crews had kept the fire out of that canyon, only to discover that the threat had not completely vanished. Friday ended up being another heck of a day where air crews pelted our mountainside with fire retardant. We watched them drop layer after layer on the ridge of the canyon. We were thoroughly impressed with the precision and timing of the air drops. This is what saved our canyon, our homes, and other homes down wind of our neighborhood. The communication between air crews and ground crews seemed flawless. It was spectacular to watch, and our whole community is extremely grateful from the bottom of our hearts! I would also like to commend the ground crews that went in on Saturday and Sunday to put out the spot fires, everything seemed very thorough and well planned. Finally, I would like to give extra kudos to our VERY, VERY, BRAVE Volunteer firefighters who stayed every night in our community, foaming down our houses, turning off propane tanks, and just simply being there for us all!! We love you dearly!!!

Thank U, Thank U!!

Mary, Jill & Community
San Marcos Trout Club

Firefighters are the greatest! We thank you from our hearts for your perseverance and presence and action here in Goleta to protect our homes and lives!! Bob and Ann

Thanking you All for Being Here ~~

Dear Each one of you working tirelessly to save homes, property and lives.

You all are added in my prayers that Mother Nature helps you do your jobs and that you are all protected, supported and cared for. My son (currently in school taking firefighting courses) wishes he could be helping too and I am so very proud of and grateful to each of you for all you give.

Take care
You are in our prayers
Heather Carter
Paso Robles, CA

© Ray Ford 2008

Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work. We are so grateful to you for all you’ve done and continue to do to keep our community safe. All our best, The Ristig Family

© Ray Ford 2008

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! God bless you all for your hard work, for making us safe, and for saving our communities. You are always in my prayers. Denise M.

Thank you so much for saving us from another disaster like the Painted Cave fire…I have friends who have been in both fires, and we are so grateful that you are here to protect us and our property. The emergency responders in Santa Barbara county are the greatest, and joined by fire fighting crews from all over who are as great, you have been heroic in keeping us safe. Thank you.

You provide an amazing service to this community and you are soooooooooo appreciated!

THANKS TO EVERY ONE OF YOU!

Nancy Gustafson

No kidding… you guys are REAL!

Thanks from our hearts!

© Ray Ford 2008

To each firefighter, crew member and volunteer - THANK YOU !!!
I grew up in Santa Barbara with the folks that attended Hope School, La Colina and San Marcos. In the mid-1960s we watched as the Coyote Fire raced over La Cumbre Peak and threatened our homes. You saved them as you are saving many today.

We still have family there and appreciate your passion, unending efforts, and plain guts. You have given us peace of mind. God bless, and please stay safe.

Thanks again,
Genie L. Tacoma, WA

Thanks to all the fire fighters for your great efforts! Your work has brought great relief to folks all around Santa Barbara and Goleta. Well done!
DAN

Firefighters, it is with open hearts that we embrace your boundless virtue and courage. I hope you never tire of hearing how much we appreciate you. We are all so grateful to each of you for putting your lives on the line to fight the Gap Fire. It was terrifying to stand three doors down in the street with neighbors and witness an immense fire moving towards our friends in the North Fairview area Wednesday night. Thank you for protecting my stubborn friend who refused to leave her horses and her home on Holiday Hill. If I had known that she had gone out and stockpiled supplies after I called her Tuesday night (because I was worried about her), I would have been beside myself and would have called her endlessly to reason with her. I know you were close to her. She told me she could see you next door.

I grew up on the Gulf Coast and lived through many hurricanes. With a hurricane there is no negotiation with nature and no idea of what may happen. But a fire is so fast and furious and terrifyingly destructive, and yet, there you are, standing it off with intelligence and courage in ways we can barely imagine. Thank you, thank you, thank you for protecting our family and our friends throughout Goleta.

with our deepest gratitude,
Martha B., Fairview @ Cathedral Oaks

Considering the difficulty of fighting this fire, everything seems to have gone as well as it could have, thanks to the firefighters and all the people working to protect our community! I live half a mile south of Cathedral Oaks, just west of Fairview, so I never even had to evacuate! We appreciate your unflagging efforts, night and day. For those of you who are continuing to fight this fire, keep up the amazing work. We all all so grateful.
For those of you who came from afar, welcome to the South Coast! It’s usually a lot nicer, and we hope you can stay a while to enjoy it.

© Ray Ford 2008

Thank you for saving so many homes in the West Camino Cielo area.  We understand there was some “serious firefighting” going on in this area and that the crews just wouldn’t give up.  Our entire family prayed for your safety and the preservation of the homes.

© Ray Ford 2008

Thanks hardly expresses our gratitude to the many first responders who saved our homes and our community from the Gap Fire. We were evacuated on Thursday evening from our home on upper North Patterson on a moment’s notice–in a scene, as someone has said, reminiscent of what one imagines in the last days of Pomeii. We returned on Sunday to a miracle–our houses intact with the surrounding hillsides scorched to bare earth. This miracle is due to the professional and valiant efforts of so many firefighters. We’ve heard stories of their heroics to save homes on Camino Manadero and Old San Marcos Road. We’ve watched every evening from friends’ house east of Hwy 154 as spot fires flared up on the dark mountainside and seemingly tiny headlights from firetrucks bear down on each and every one of them until they are extinguished. You are a blessing in our lives and we humbly thank you for the many sacrifices you and your families make in order for you to protect us. May your good work return to bless you a thousand fold.

It seems so cliche to say but, it is true: words can not express the biggness of my family’s gratitude toward the fire crews and support during this Gap fire. We’ve heard how close our house came to burning and without the skill and dedication of the men and women willing to work in those extreme conditions, we would have lost everything. The lives of people are contained in those sometimes frail shelters. I am so grateful for the personal fortitude of every one of the firefighters who continued to fight to save MY house. Our HOMES. thank you thank you thank you is all I can say.

Dear Firefighters, Just a special thanks to you for all you efforts and hard work to contain this horrible fire. We appreciate you and hope you remain safe.

Best Regards, Julia Hardcastle-Leitch

© Ray Ford 2008

Thanks for your hard work, sleepless nights, and selfless heroism.  You guys rock!

Our prayers and best wishes go out to all of you.

The Gale Family
Montecito, California

I am an English citizen living in Somerset, England, I have friends in Santa Barbara so have been following events closely. I want to pay tribute to the bravery, professionalism, skill, fortitude and dedication of your fire fighters. They are world class heroes putting their own lives at risk to help others. May they triumph in their fight and with God’s will bring them all through safely.

Brian B.
Somerset, England

The UCSB/SBCC and entire Isla Vista community thanks you for your incredible work. Your vigilance, your dedication and commitment, your courage — it has not gone unnoticed. We thank you for your miracles. It is your strength and fortitude which will clear the skies and make Isla Vista beautiful soon again. Each and every one of you is truly a hero.
- Greg Isla Vista, CA

I just want to say I owe you guys more than I could repay you for the job you did protecting our homes. I am deployed right now and have been worried sick about whether or not I was coming home to a house or ashes. I would like to specially thank Kruzer of the V.A.F.B. Hot Shot Crew for her promise to do what ever it took to save our house. Peace…
Iris, Goleta