To the Editor, from Mayor Marilyn Hatley

On behalf of the City Council, this city pledges to assist the victims of this tragedy in every way that we can during this time of recovery.

I must thank our Public Safety Department, police and fire, who together with fire departments from all over the state fought the fire and saved many homes from certain destruction.

We also must thank Horry County and the S.C. Forestry Commission for their continued support throughout the fire event, and city employees from every department who offered and provided support.

I would like to publicly thank and acknowledge many who anonymously dropped off water, food or other supplies for the Public Safety personnel and other staff working on this event.  Many businesses assisted in this effort with deliveries of food, or in the case of the House of Blues, feeding and housing those driven from their homes.  Their offer to set up a Red Cross shelter was extremely generous and will never be forgotten.

The accommodations industry also must be mentioned for their contribution of rooms for those displaced by the fire.  The Barefoot Church and other  churches and agencies opened their doors to the victims of the fire as well.

I have received so many offers of assistance and our staff has been contacted by other cities, towns and agencies of all kinds offering their thoughts and prayers and to help in any way.  Also, thanks to Governor Mark Sanford, Representative Henry Brown, Representative Gresham Barrett, Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Jim DeMint, all of who called me directly to ask what they could do, as well as our local delegation and other local elected officials who also pledged their support.

The citizens and visitors to our city have also contributed money and other supplies to be given to those who have suffered through this event.  Their generosity is amazing.

Lastly, I must also thank the residents of Barefoot Resort for their patience and understanding during this terrible event.  They were able to evacuate in an orderly fashion and their help and assistance to each other during and after the fire has beeen phenomenal.

There is no way to put into words how our city government feels at this time.

We are thankful that here was no loss of life, but are continually saddened by the loss and trauma so many have gone through.  We continue to offer thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this disaster.