Thanks for saving my life

My name is Jeff Tautges. I am the man who was trapped in the burning apartment in St. Regis a few weeks ago. I don’t know all the details of my rescue by the St. Regis fire department. But some information is coming into me now. I could explain the horrors and utter terror of being on fire and believing I was going to die right there and then. But what is more important is my rescue. I have only learned within the last few days that it was Jerry and Gary Dockter who caught me as I dove out of the second story window apparently on fire. Although I have not yet made personal contact, I want to take this opportunity to profoundly thank Jerry and Gary for getting me out of that inferno which came within just a minute or so of taking my life. I am in the process of getting resettled. But I will find Jerry and Gary soon to thank them in person. Thank you all in the St. Regis fire department.

I also want to thank all of the other people who helped save my life, the medical people, first responders, ambulance people who transported me to various places, the doctors and nurses and technicians all who made contributions to saving my life and my rapid recovery. Despite being burned pretty badly, there is no scaring on my face or head and just a little on my shoulders. This is no doubt due to the rapid response and decisive actions of all who were involved in the medical aspects.

I want to thank my landlord who personally came and got me from the hospital in Seattle, drove me back to St. Regis and provided me with another apartment pending repairs to the one that burned.

I also want to thank my neighbors and all in the community who have helped me with things I needed as nearly everything I owned was lost in the fire.

I want to thank my employers at Lincoln’s $50,000.00 Silver Dollars in Haugan who have given me their full support in every conceivable way to help me get on with life. I want to thank all my co-workers for their prayers and support during this very trying time.

I give thanks to the Women in Timbers in Superior for their support in helping me with much needed household items at no charge.

There have been dozens and dozens of people who have helped whose names I just don’t know. But to all of you, I thank you from the bottom on my heart.

Most sincerely and with my deepest gratitude and appreciation,

Jeff Tautges

St. Regis