With regard to the current situation we all find ourselves in, I wanted to make a statement to all of my fellow Hinsdale County residents. 

I have received several text messages and phone calls in recent weeks in regards to enforcement of local Public Health orders as well as the Governor’s orders and recommendations from the state of Colorado. We all find ourselves in a new situation that poses unique challenges and forces us to make significant changes to our normal lives. For some of us, the challenge is finding ways to keep ourselves healthy, both mentally and physically. For others, it is how to pay the bills when we aren’t allowed to go to work. I sympathize with all my friends and neighbors; this is a tough time.

I am thankful that our community has taken the orders from our Public Health Department seriously. Because of that, we are making a difference and keeping ourselves and each other healthy. I appreciate the patience we are all displaying. Our community leaders are all trying to make the best decisions possible given all the variables we are faced with. I trust our leaders from the town and the county are working in the best interest of all of us.

We at the Sheriff’s Office are doing our part as well. We are still available and responding to calls for service 24 hours a day. We are taking reasonable precautions when responding and trying to minimize unnecessary contact with others.

We all need to take personal responsibility and do what is best to take care of ourselves. Along with staying physically healthy we should also remember to maintain our mental health as well. I love seeing people walking their dogs and families taking bike rides together. We are having a beautiful spring and we should all find time to enjoy it. Our public lands are open for recreational activities. Go out and enjoy it, I promise it will do you good. Please be respectful of others, if you believe you are witnessing a blatant violation of our current public health orders, please contact the Sheriff’s Office or Public Health and allow us to deal with it. In this time, we do not need to add stress to ourselves or others. Be good neighbors and let us continue in the spirit of our small mountain community where we band together in tough times. We are in this together and together we will make it out.

Yours in service,

Chris Kambish

Sheriff