Willow Residents Honored on Sockeye Fire Work

Fourteen Willow residents were honored last night for their volunteer work in the recovery efforts for the Sockeye Fire. In June, the fire burned some 7,220 acres near Willow, destroying land, 55 cabins & homes.

The Willow Recovery Team helped expend $120,000 on relief efforts, including work on seven homes and 15 other projects. The Team organized the Give and Take event, which included 170 quilts that were given away to residents harmed by fire. The group is still coordinating registries for homeowners to receive materials or labor from local businesses at reduced rates.

Emergency Manager Casey Cook has been working since July with the Willow Recovery Team in an advisory capacity.

In a letter of thanks, the Borough Manager John Moosey wrote: "Above all, your help to the individual homeowners in the midst of disaster has been inspiring. Many of them have been living in tents or campers for over six months. For those whose resiliency has been tested in the community, you have continued to alleviate these conditions."

"The people of Willow have proven again that they are a hearty bunch and do not let a setback, even this great, keep them from moving forward," Moosey wrote.

Photo taken by Harry Banks, shows left to right some of the residents accepting awards. Alaska Public Radio Reporter Ellen Lockyear, John Ramsey (DHS&EM), Stephanie Allen (United Way of Mat-Su), Jamie West (Willow Dog Mushers Association), Kathi Watkins (WACO), Krista Fee (Willow Community Rebuild), Dan Wilcox (Willow Methodist), Fran Lynch (Willow Methodist and Community Ministry), Brenda McCain (Willow CERT), Tom Phillips (Willow Lions Club). With Attorney, Assembly Members, Manager Moosey behind them.

View the letter of gratitude at the right here.