Dear Editor,

During the wee hours of Saturday, April 27, I arrived home from an event in Nederland. Upon entering, it took just a minute or two to realize someone had been in my home. Items were displaced, open curtains and doors had been closed, and unfamiliar trash was left.

As most would, I dialed 911. To my overwhelming relief, the call was answered after only a couple of rings. The dispatcher calmly instructed me to exit my residence and informed me that deputies were on the way. She remained on the call until help arrived, which comforted me in my state of panic and fear. As I entered my garage and opened the overhead door, I saw headlights coming down my driveway. What relief, knowing someone was there to protect me!

The three deputies searched my entire home, checking closets, under beds and behind doors. It was not easy for them to assure me that no one remained in my home, although they finally managed to do so. The deputies determined that, yes, there had been strangers in my home, but I was in no danger. We came to the agreement that the situation was resolved and required no further action. While still pretty shook up and sleep eluded me for some time, I finally felt safe in my home.

Awakening in the morning, the previous night’s scene kept replaying in my mind. How fortunate I was to have such a response from the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Department! From having a dispatcher answer after just a couple of rings and instructing me in how to keep myself safe, to the swift arrival of deputies. In other counties, I have called 911 and NO ONE answered! This is incredibly terrifying in an emergency!

I want to thank Sheriff Armstrong and the Gilpin County Commissioners for having sufficient staff on hand to respond to community needs. While all three deputies were professional and diligent in their acts, I want to extend a special ‘shout-out’ to Deputy Day, who understood my ongoing state of distress and acted with empathy and understanding.

Thank you to all those who helped me in this extraordinary situation.

Cecilia Wilson, Black Hawk