In an often emotional evening Ruth King along with background singer Vala Rhea Bennett performed a concert that will leave us at the SLVFD feeling good and in a genuine state of appreciation for many years to come.

The concert was a fundraiser for the SLVFD and performed in memory of past Chief Preston Burl who rescued Ruth King on January 14th 1964 from the Saint Regis Hotel fire when she was only 4 years old.

The details of the rescue are amazing but perhaps equally amazing is the story surrounding Ruth's re connection with her Hero Preston Burl 50 years later. Preston Burl lost his battle with lung cancer shortly after receiving a miracle thank you from Ruth. This amazing heartwarming story was told perfectly in an award winning article written by Chris Knight of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise "A phone call, and a thank you just in time" The article appeared in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise on September 21st 2013 and can be viewed by clicking the link below.

A week prior to the concert Ruth addressed the members of the SLVFD via an audio message during the annual banquet slide show. Her message was deeply motivating to the members and in part stated "You are changing the world, you have changed me, I'm alive, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart"

Preston Burls family as well as Ruth King arrived in Saranac Lake this week for the concert. They have had time to connect in a very special way.

Last night with Police and Fire Truck Escort Barbara Burl, Ruth King, and Vala Rhea Bennett arrived at the Waterhole #3 in Engine 141 and were greeted by a large crowd including a full receiving line of the members of the SLVFD in class B uniform. Ruth and Vala took the time to hug and converse with each of the members. The three women received a bouquet of flowers. They then greeted the large crowd that had gathered.

After a social gathering and buffet, the slide show was presented, and the show was on... and what a show it was!!! Ruth and Vala played outstanding music. In addition to this amazing story, they are truly amazing artists and are regulars at Disney Village's House of Blues. At one point Ruth played a song featured on our slide show "Safe in Love". The music was absolutely incredible.

During a brief intermission Chief Keough presented a bouquet of flowers to event organizer Elizabeth Whipps and Waterhole #3 owner Brenda Stringer.

The Chief then made presentations to Ruth King, Gabrielle Bergeron, and Barbara Burl.

It is important to remember that also rescued that day was Ruth's mother Gabrielle Bergeron. Gabrielle was a singer in a Jazz band at the Saint Regis Hotel. Gabrielle was unable to travel to the event. Ruth and Gabrielle both received department challenge coins and Saint Florian necklaces inscribed with "SLVFD 1964". Both of these items are significant to the members of the SLVFD. The challenge coins are specifically for members with 2 or more years of service and are considered an honor to carry. Saint Florian is the Patron Saint of all Firefighters.

Barbara Burl received the first ever "Ruth King Valor and Community Service Award" Given in memory of SLVFD Past Chief Preston Burl.

There are lots of thanks necessary to be given!!! Local Elizabeth Whipps organized the event. Brenda Stringer owner of the Waterhole #3 contributed her facility and a whole bunch of effort. Rambach's bakery donated the cake. Many local businesses donated food and items for a silent auction. Lots of folks gave time to put this event together. Lots of folks contributed at the door. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! The tally of funds raised is still in progress, we are so thankful for our generous community!!!

This is a great feel good story for all of us. Thank you Ruth for an incredible evening, your story is Amazing!!!