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Dec. 15, 2000--
Governor and Mrs. Leavitt offered a warm and heartfelt "thank you" to the firefighters who came to their rescue seven years ago.
News Specialist Carole Mikita was at the Governor's Mansion this morning for the reunion.
Seven years ago, today, the Leavitts lost their home for the holidays.
A Christmas tree fire touched off a four-alarm blaze shortly before noon, which left the historic Governor's Mansion nearly gutted.
This time of year, the memories come flooding back for Utah's first family and those who braved the flames to save lives and a state treasure.
Flames and smoke poured from the mansion.
A frayed Christmas tree extension cord sparked the blaze. First Lady Jackie Leavitt and her youngest son, Westin, were trapped.
Jackie Leavitt, First Lady: "BY THE TIME WE GOT TO THE BACK DOOR, I WAS THE FIRST ONE THERE AND TRIED TO OPEN IT, AND COULDN'T."
The first firefighters to arrive realized the gravity of the situation, and remember scrambling to save lives and the beautiful structure.
Chief Chuck Querry, SLC Fire Dept.: "WE TREAT EVERYONE AS A SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL, BUT THIS WAS A LARGE BUILDING, IT WAS A JEWEL AND WE HAD TO SAVE IT."
Seven years to the day, gratitude from the Leavitts to those firefighters.
"You cannot replace history," the first lady said. She told them that the home on South Temple continues to be a state treasure because of their heroic efforts.
For the Leavitts, that Christmas is their most memorable.
Jackie Leavitt, First Lady: "THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT OF ALL WAS THAT EVERYONE WAS OKAY. YOU REALIZE WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE VERY MANY PRESENTS FOR CHRISTMAS, YOU REALIZE THAT WHAT YOU'RE SHARING AND WHAT YOU'RE GIVING IS REALLY LOVE TO EACH OTHER."
Utahns wrote cards and letters, pouring out their affection for the first family, which made the Leavitts want to give in return.
Gov. Mike Leavitt: "AND I REMEMBER GOING TO THE HOMELESS SHELTER THAT YEAR, AND I REMEMBER HAVING A SENSE, AT LEAST, OF WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO BE HOMELESS. IT WAS A VERY DEEP, POIGNANT MOMENT FOR US AS A FAMILY."
Governor Leavitt told the firefighters it isn't often that you can make history and save history in the same day. And as they gaze at the decorated rooms, the citizens owe them all a great debt.
Many people stepped forward to provide the needed funds to restore the old Kearns Mansion. This year, once again, the halls are decked for Christmas and it is open for tours.
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The governor's mansion is open for public tours Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. at no cost. Parking is available east
of the Governor's Mansion behind the Utah Arts Council
building. The lot is accessible from H Street. For more
information, call (801) 538-1005.
For more on the history of the mansion, go to http://www.governor.state.ut.us/firstlady/html/mansion.htm.
