A newer boat might have helped

Editor,

I thank the community for the support that has been given this past year in fundraising efforts to get a new boat for Search and Rescue.

A year ago April, my husband was caught in a wind storm on Flathead Lake. He and his dog Jake were lost in that storm. When we called for help we were told that the Sheriff's boat was being repaired and the SAR boat was very old and didn't have lights to be able to go out in the night and search for Denny.

Consequently, we had to wait until the next morning before a search could start. It was a very hard night to get through, thinking Denny was alive and needing help and there was none available. At daylight they found Denny's boat capsized and our dog drowned. Denny was never found.

With the help of many, many people, we have raised almost $18,000 toward the purchase of a new rescue boat with all the equipment necessary to find a loved one on the lake.

Hopefully, if the SAR mil levy passes, it could help with this boat. Please help pass the SAR mil levy on Nov. 7. Due to the extreme expense of equipment and training, this mil levy is essential. We have 50 wonderful volunteers who truly care about you and are ready to respond day or night to save a life.

We have had many fundraisers and there is always only one winner. If this passes, we are all winners. Thank you.

Laura Silgen

Ronan