To the members of the emergency response team from the East Grand Lake Fire House, Paul Fournier, Andrew Fournier, and Lee Waterson that answered the call at Grand Lake in Alpena on Jan. 18, 2020, please know that you saved my life without a doubt and the lives of my friends and that I will be forever indebted to you.

To the ambulance workers who worked on me for their professionalism and understanding of the best way to treat my condition and communicating to me every step of the way.

To DNR Officer John Sklba who provided invaluable insight into the area and the essential personal to support the retrieve of our equipment.

To John Wieczorkowski, who went on the ice after the event to collect items from the lake and to post it on Facebook looking for us. But his involvement in this event does not stop there. He then allows us to use his uncle’s home and property to recover the snowmobile and shanty from the lake as well as assisted in the retrieval of those items. Your willingness to help in this situation is rare and needs to be celebrated!

To MidMichigan Medical Center Emergency Department for taking great care of me during this ordeal, your calming environment and clear communication allowed me to know what was going on and what is happening next.

To the Dive Team (Beneath the Surface) Robert Doyle and Alex Birch who’s years of knowledge and know-how to get our items from the bottom of the lake was invaluable.

It’s obvious that you folks are the true heroes of your community and you should be regarded as such. Again, keep doing what you are doing, and know that there are many people out there who honor and admire you.

JEFF BLACKGROVE, TOM

SUMMERFIELD, CHRIS RIVARD,

Rockford