Mayor Gere honored Officer Scott Ray with the Mayor's Award of Merit on Monday night after Bowers read the Letter of Commendation for the officer’s actions. Here’s the full text of that Letter of Commendation.
I am writing this letter of commendation to you for your heroic actions on May 18, 2014, Chief Curtis from the Anacortes Fire Department reported to me that you responded to the scene of a capsized boat in a marina on Fidalgo Bay, Crew members were on board the 85ft vessel as it listed and eventually capsized on its port side trapping the crew inside.
According to Chief Curtis on your arrival you took command, utilizing on lookers to assist with the rescue, In order to rescue the last remaining crew member on the boat you breached a porthole with a fire ax, allowing him to escape. I am aware that when Captain Small spoke with you about the incident you down played your involvement and emphasized it was the effort of everyone involved that resulted in the successful rescue.
While I appreciate the efforts of all involved, I recognize the importance of you taking command of the scene, Your leadership resulted not only in the rescue of the crew but in the safety of all the rescuers involved.
Ensuring public safety is the first line of our vision statement. Your actions certainly demonstrated our department's vision, In addition your professional demeanor, willingness to serve, and your courage are all indicative of your commitment to the values of our organization. Your performance in a critical situation was outstanding, I commend you on your efforts and will be forwarding a copy of this letter to Mayor Gere for consideration as a Mayor's Award of Merit.