Law enforcement play a pivotal role during wildfires as well.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- While firefighters are battling the Waldo Canyon Fire in the mountains, other heroes are working around the clock to keep the people of Colorado Springs safe.
Colorado Springs police, El Paso County sheriffs and neighboring law enforcement stepped up to inform the community about mandatory evacuations, even going door-to-door to make sure citizens were safe.
Once people were evacuated, officers then took to the streets to direct traffic and keep everyone calm. Assisting them were more than 140 troops from the Colorado National Guard.
Colorado Springs Police Chief Pete Carey said the hectic schedules were hard for officers to get used to. They have gone through training that prepares them for disasters like the Waldo Canyon Fire, but Carey added experiencing it in person is much different than talking about it and looking at maps.
Because many officers were called to work the fire, the police department switched to priority dispatching- the few officers who were patrolling the streets responded only to major calls; minor calls were put off until they could be attended to. Carey pointed out dispatching is now back to normal as evacuees are returning to their homes.
Though firefighters are the heroes in the spotlight, law enforcement officers and soldiers of the National Guard also worked diligently to save lives. Many members of the community are keeping those men and women in their prayers and are thanking them for a job well done.
Reporter: Kyndel Lee-Bates
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKXRM