Edhat Staff
Speakers and honorees showcasing the new US Postal Service Forever Stamp (Photo: Fritz Olenberger)
By edhat staff
Local first responders were honored by the U.S. Postal Service in Montecito on Friday with a dedication ceremony announcing the new Forever Stamp.
The stamp depicts a firefighter, paramedic, and police officers in red, white, and blue coloring that’s meant to honor first responders nationwide.
Firefighters, law enforcement, volunteers, search and rescue teams, and medical personnel who responded to the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslide gathered at the Montecito Fire Department for the ceremony.
Montecito resident and January 9 debris flow survivor Lauren Cantin sang “God Bless America” at the start of the program.
The special keynote speaker was local resident Oprah Winfrey who thanked all first responders for their courage, compassion, and endurance.
Other speakers included Chip Hickman, Fire Chief of the Montecito Fire Department, Alfred Santos, District Manager of the United States Postal Service, and Abe Powell, founder of the volunteer-based Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade.
Video of the ceremony is provided below by KEYT News:
