The perfect landing
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was just one of several departments recognized and acknowledge by AA on this year’s National First Responders Day.
American Academy (AA) – Castle Pines celebrated incredible heroes throughout Douglas County with a warm welcome, thank you and a breakfast on October 28, National First Responders Day. The Douglas County Helitack Team was the special guests and surprised the school with a helicopter landing on the AA field while students and staff watched from inside the school.
All were invited outside to view the helicopter and thank crew pilot Jennifer Bartley and aircrew and firefighters Jason Lownsdale, Jonathan Escobedo and Brianna Smith.
The Helitack Team consists of the Emergency Services Unit that responds to wildfires in Douglas County by helicopter. This past July, the unit logged more than 48 hours of flight time and dropped 116,000 gallons of water.
The AA staff and students acknowledged all responders who serve on the frontlines and showed their appreciation for their local heroes at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, especially their own first responder, Deputy Eric Rhymer, who serves as AA’s school resource officer.
Ms. Wilkerson’s second grade class enjoyed visiting with the Helitack Team and viewing the helicopter.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Erin Dill, American Academy – Castle Pines
