To the editor:
A letter to Terry Lynn Barton:
This letter is written to encourage to you accept the punishment
meted out to you March 5 by Judge Edward Colt.
Before continuing, let me introduce myself. My wife and I
believe we have the dubious distinction of owning and living in the
first home consumed by the Hayman fire, two miles south of Deckers
on Colorado 67, on Sunday, June 9, 2002.
We were given 20 minutes to evacuate, although it took a little
longer to gather four dogs, three cats, some trinkets and
escape.
We had some practice, having evacuated because of the Schoonover
fire, which stopped 700 feet north of our home a couple of weeks
before.
Like others, we were significantly underinsured. My fault, not
yours. We are especially mindful of this because we are learning to
accept the fact that because of the economy, the value of our other
investments have concurrently plummeted. But we have been blessed
with good health, excellent employment, positive attitudes, the
fervent prayers of many and a great optimism for the future as we
start over.
I attended the first portion of your state hearing Wednesday. I
spoke with your attorney, Rick Williamson, and asked him to give
you a small leather book from my wife and me.
We have forgiven you.
I learned that Judge Colt was forced to evacuate because of the
fire. Therefore, your attorney, Sharlene Reynolds, might be
considering an appeal for your “maximum” sentence.
Good grief. Stop for a moment and think of the “sentence” you
imposed on many of your neighbors by your incredible act of either
extreme carelessness or total unconsciousness.
Think of the deceased woman whose health problems were
exacerbated by the smoke from the Hayman fire. Consider the five
dead firefighters who were rushing to our aid. And think of their
families and loved ones.
We regret the adverse impact this situation has on your
daughters and your family. But consequences should be considered
before the act, not after the fact.
If you have a conscience, you should not put those who were
impacted by the fire through the added agony of a lengthy and
costly appeal.
We and the other taxpayers who underwrite the costs of the fire,
as well as the cost of your trial and incarceration, have bled
enough.
You will likely be a free person before I get out of the debt
incurred as a result of the Hayman fire. With good behavior, I
understand you might be out in less than five years.
We forgive you, but you must be held accountable for your
unconscionable act.
Enough already.
Dick Ronk
Deckers