In response to the recent letter, “Look, Mom, there’s a body in the dugout” (Valley Record, July 18): if this was a member of your family,  wouldn’t you appreciate all the time and effort it takes to recover and care for the deceased in the most gentle and respectful way that public service volunteers have to offer? Perhaps you had to spend a few extra hours with your kids in lieu of them going to play in the park or win that ball game. I hope it was well-spent quality time, while the family of this man will never get that chance again.

I am proud of our volunteer search and rescue teams. It takes many folks many hours of training away from their families in order to provide this service for our community. You are correct in stating this is our community park. This happened in our community, using our community areas to complete a community act of grace and respect for a fallen hiker. I do not see where any other place would be appropriate to use.

The best perspective one can get is to complete the aggressive winter training program yourself, and just see if you have what it takes to save or recover a life. Your services and support would be appreciated, too.

Our leaders in North Bend, King County and the search and rescue teams are doing a great job—going that extra mile for all of those who work and play in our community. Thank you!

Wendy Spears

North Bend