Below is a letter sent to the Steamboat Pilot & Today by Mark Beckett, the Steamboat Springs Chief of Police.

Uncertainty. It’s a root cause of so many issues in our community. Uncertainty about housing. Uncertainty about income. Uncertainty about where somebody’s next meal is coming from. Uncertainty around basic human rights.

The recent changes in the federal government’s positions on things like immigration, gender identity, queer rights, education, and income have compounded these uncertainties across the country.

When my family came to this community a little over two years ago, we did so to be part of a community where we could raise our children to be inclusive and open minded. We’ve found this community to be exactly that. So, when I hear the concerns of our Hispanic and Queer communities, it breaks my heart.

You see, our oldest child, Jack, was transgender. Jack struggled in life and, although our family did everything we could to support Jack, he took his life in 2021. Although this devastated our family, it also galvanized our resolve to support all vulnerable communities. I bring this resolve to the community in my role as the chief of police for the City of Steamboat Springs.

I’m proud to say that I’ve seen overwhelming support for the vulnerable communities in Steamboat Springs. But we have more work to do. Routt County is in the midst of a mental health crisis.

We’ve seen an unprecedented number of suicides. Immigration status has families afraid to send their children to school and parents afraid to show up for work. People are afraid to call the police for help.

Reality can be scary. But we need to support one another. Our schools are incredibly supportive of our youth. Our local government and public safety support all members of our community. We have some of the best leaders I’ve ever worked with and hands down the best non-profits around.

As we move through these uncertain times, we must remember how scary a time it is for some members of our community, and we need to stand together to support them.

I encourage everybody in our community to talk, ask questions, challenge ideas, respect one another and to continue making Steamboat Springs the special place it is. To all our vulnerable communities, we are here for you.