Taken too soon

On a bright, cold day on Norris Hill near Ennis, Mont., with an unusually calm breeze on the day before Thanksgiving, a young driver was remembered by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with Deputy Doug Young offering somber and haunting words to the effect: “…A young lady unknown to us, was taken from this world way too soon… July 27, 2018…”

Sometimes we see things that we can’t unsee, this was one of those times. Law enforcement and first responders arrive at these scenes more often than most of us. Early in his career, Sergeant Wes Heavrin of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was the first officer to this rollover etched in his mind forever.

Members of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and members of American Legion Post #14 from Bozeman and Post #65 from Ennis erected an American Legion Fatality Marker at the scene, with goals that included closure and a reminder to folks that driving is a privilege and not a right. It is imperative for all of us to avoid distractions, drive safely and vigilantly in order that we and the folks with whom we share the road arrive home safely. We know a loss affects everyone. We are in this together. We’re all someone’s friend, someone’s neighbor, and someone’s family member. Coming home ensures that we can be there for the people that count on us, especially when they need us most.