Tester: Miles City emergency and community responders ‘nothing short of heroes’

(MILES CITY, Mont.) – Sen. Jon Tester today released the following statement after touring the site of the recent fire in downtown Miles City:

“The emergency responders and members of the community who answered the call in Miles City this week are nothing short of heroes.  Firefighters, officers and medics from across the region knocked down the fire despite bitter cold and wind.  And members of the community stepped up to the plate to protect Main Street businesses.  Seeing the devastation firsthand is sobering.  But knowing what Montana’s first responders and volunteers do when the call comes is something we will always be grateful for.”

Tester told Miles City community leaders he will help them secure federal assistance by “looking under every rock” for financial aid.  Tester is a member of both the Senate Homeland Security Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

Officials estimate Monday’s fire caused $10.5 million in damage.