LA JARA — The fourth annual Fun With 911 event was held on Oct. 14 in La Jara and was a big success this year, according to organizers.

The La Jara community showed their appreciation and embraced the event. Garrett Storm, with Conejos County EMS, organized the Fun With 911 event and was thankful to the area businesses for their support and donations.

"Last year, 15 agencies helped,” Storm said. “This year 30-plus agencies helped. There was also more turnout from the community. More people came."

There were a number of organizations that donated gift cards, a train ride through Cumbres and Toltec, various items for the silent auction and raffle.

Storm gave a huge thank you, "to all that donated,... (resulting) in a highly successful raffle and auction that raised money for a new defibrillator."

Some of the major sponsors that helped organize the Fun With 911 event include Valley Meat Co., San Luis Valley Federal Bank, First Southwest Bank, Community Banks of Colorado, Frontier Bank, RG Bank, La Jara Trading Post, Conejos County Department of Social Services, J & J Rental Center and the Town of La Jara.

Fun With 911 is a chance for the La Jara community to meet the first responders like police and fire departments, and ambulance, who keep everyone safe. Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther was there with other law enforcement. Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Gilley Gilleland brought his K-9 tracking and cadaver dog, a bloodhound named Blitz. Blitz has been a member of ACSO for four years and recently received a new bulletproof vest.

AirMedCare Network was also on hand. They are the largest helicopter air medical transport service in the United States. They have a helipad at San Luis Valley Hospital in Alamosa, a base at the Alamosa Airport, and a jet in Del Norte.

Cara Reanol is the membership manager for AirMedCare Network.

“It is used for  911 calls and hospital to hospital transport,” Reanol said. “Members and member's families don't have to pay. "

They have 320 locations in 38 states. To learn more about the AirMedCare Network membership program, call Reanol at 719-239-0578.