From a stranger, with gratitude — remembering Nick Hutcherson

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OPINION — I live in Fruita, Colorado, a small town in the western part of the state. On June 27, a wildfire broke out about 20 miles from where I live, near a remote canyon along the Colorado-Utah border. It grew fast and it grew dangerous.

People came to fight it. They came from across the country, the way wildland firefighters do — not because they were told to, but because that is who they are. They go where the fire is. They don’t ask questions about where they’re headed or who they’re protecting. They just go.

One of the people who came was yours; Nick Hutcherson, 27, from Glendale.

I didn’t know that name last Saturday. I do now, and I won’t forget it.

Along with two colleagues, Nick was lost when the fire overtook them. Two others were badly injured. They all did everything they were trained to do. And now, in a town far from this fire, people are grieving someone they loved — and we here in Fruita hold you in our hearts.

I wanted to reach out — imperfectly, as a stranger — to say that we know. That the people of this corner of Colorado are grateful beyond what words can hold. That Nick came here when we needed help, and that we will carry that with us.

To the family, the friends, the colleagues who are grieving: we are so sorry. What was lost was real, and it mattered, and it will not be forgotten here.

With deepest respect and gratitude.

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