Dr. Charles Smith, Peak to Peak. On Sunday, October 20, a large group of family and friends from the Golden Gate Estates area, along with other first responders representing various agencies and support groups from Gilpin, Boulder, and Jefferson counties,  joined in a celebration and dedication ceremony organized by  Lt. John Arendt, TFPD Fire Chief Paul Ondr, and the staff of TFPD. 

Charles Smith, President of Timberline’s Board of Directors, spoke on the BOD’s behalf and presented the Resolution for naming Station 8, at Smith Hill Road and Highway 46, the Tony Stone Fire Station. 

Lt. Arendt’s remarks stated that the main reason for this dedication was to honor the memory of TFPD Volunteer Fire Fighter Tony Stone. Tony joined the department in August of 2016 and was fully engaged in the call to service and activities that the fire department offered. He was pursing his fire fighter 1 structure fire and wild land certifications as well as finishing up his emergency medical responder training. 

Tony had a great smile, and a wealth of athletic adventures that he loved to pursue, including running marathons, triathlons, and road bicycling and racing. Tony and his wife Clare were working hand in hand living in beautiful Colorado and enjoying so much that life was offering them. 

Chief Ondr expressed, “Tony had the qualities every fire department looks for - dedication, motivation, compassion, physical fitness, intelligence, and a positive attitude.” Chief Ondr expressed the continuation of healing for his family and of those TFPD members who were involved during the 911 call.

As a member of a first responder agency, be it fire, law, or medical response, the majority of calls can be simply routine. Our goal is to come to the aid of a citizen in their time of need. The vast majority of calls require simple assistance and you pack up, clean up, and go back to your homes and families. You sleep soundly with your families, and wait for the next tone.

As our members respond to more and more calls, we are subjected to those that are serious in nature. The responders respond, go to work, follow their training, and provide the best support that they can. 

Tony’s death was the cause of a horrific accident while working from home on his truck. This call became personal immediately. We live in a small community and addresses are known to many of the fire fighters. We knew that this event involved a volunteer. The radio traffic was dramatic and the intensity of emotions were ramped high. First on the scene were his station members. These volunteer responders were personal friends who not only trained and ran calls with Tony, but spent numerous evenings at his home for dinner and conversations. As the call continued the helicopter was stood down and the Gilpin County Coroner was requested. Following our 911 calls we gather at a location and have an After Action Review – AAR.  Black Hawk PD sent some experienced stress and grief counselors to Station 7 to assist. This AAR was certainly one of the most difficult sessions that the department has been part of.  

Healing takes time and for many first responders, there becomes a process to seek professional help and therapy. Your fire department fully supports each and every fire fighter that seeks additional support. There are many in the department that have been on serious calls including houses being destroyed by fire, motor vehicle accidents, and the medical calls that require CPR being performed. It is part of the job!  There is a really important portion of the call to be of service to family members and immediate friends. 

There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer. You do the best you can with the level of scope of practice you have. There are human emotions that can tax one to their core. There is a moment at the scene when you realize that nothing on earth will change the outcome. Having to inform a family member that the patient has passed away is an important truth that must be shared. You offer a hug and simply hold them while the rest of the process takes place. 

There are numerous times that first responders happen to see or come in contact with people that have been affected by these serious calls. These individuals live and work in our small community. You share a bond with them. For many, it takes the first responder back to the memory of the incident. Sharing a knowing hug helps the healing. 

For me personally, the time Tony and I participated in a St. Baldrick’s Cutting Hair for Children’s Cancer event, being on the Timberline Team, he smiled at me and laughed. He knew his full head of hair would grow back!

It is with a great sense of pride that whenever we pass by or are toned to respond to a call in the Tony Stone Station area, we will remember his smile, his attitude. We will remember Tony.

(Originally published in the October 21, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)