After two recoveries at Carter Lake and Horsetooth, county cites recovery work and staff support

Leslie Ellis, director of Community Planning, Infrastructure and Resources, told commissioners on Sept. 15 that Larimer County experienced a difficult week with two recovery operations at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir.

Ellis said the county's natural-resources staff, the sheriff's office and partner agencies worked several days on recovery operations. “Our heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones at Carter Lake and Horsetooth,” she said, and noted the recovery activity was unusual in its frequency: a county sheriff reported not seeing two such recoveries in a single week during a 30-year period.

Coroner and support services: Ellis said the coroner's office is still working on the recovery for the person recovered at Carter Lake. She also said the sheriff's office has a program to provide support for rangers and sheriff's personnel involved in recovery operations, adding that those staff would be able to receive support starting tonight.

Recognition and follow-up: Ellis said an awards ceremony had been delayed because rangers involved in recovery operations were also participating in an innovation project; the county plans to find a separate time to recognize staff accomplishments once operations permit. Commissioners suggested sending a thank-you card or other acknowledgement from the commissioner's office to staff involved in the response.

Discussion vs. action: The remarks were informational; no formal actions were taken at the meeting. Commissioners expressed condolences and asked about ways to support staff; Ellis described existing sheriff-office support programs and planned recognition events.

Ending: The county will continue to coordinate with the coroner and sheriff's office on recoveries and will schedule recognition and support for affected staff when feasible.