Writing campaign thanks local first responders

Whether it’s been wildfires, floods or shootings, people in Colorado Springs unite to show support in troubled times and they’re doing so again.

On Thursday at City Hall, about 50 people signed banners with personal messages to thank law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency personnel who responded to last week’s Black Friday shootings.

Karla Heard-Price, who organized the signing, said a citizen’s Facebook post gave her the idea.

“Our community’s support never wavers,” she said. “But given the magnitude of what has happened, we should never miss an opportunity to thank someone. This is our chance to use our DNA to help our community, that we recognize they do a special job for us.”

Mayor John Suthers and his bodyguard, a Colorado Springs police officer, were the first to sign the banner.

Frank and Terri Stampf explained why they came to write down their thanks.

“We should appreciate what they do every day because you never know what can happen,” Terri Stampf said. “They’re always there and they’re always ready to do their job to keep us safe.”

Thursday’s signing was from 3-5 p.m. Another signing is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. Friday at the C-21 Library, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive.

The banners will be displayed during Friday’s funeral of Garrett Swasey, a University of Colorado-Colorado Springs police officer killed in the shootings.

The banners also will be displayed Saturday during the annual Festival of Lights Parade, and given to first responders.

Two blocks down the street at the City Administration Building, city employees signed two similar banners that will be displayed during Saturday’s parade.

“It means a lot to us,” said Sarah Johnson, city clerk. “If it’s as simple as signing a poster, we can do that.”

The city’s human relations commission sponsored the event. School District 11 donated materials used.