Thanks for son's rescue

As the parents of 14-year-old Casey Belford, we are compelled to write this, hoping that it will perhaps reach the people who helped to bring him to safety after his brush with death in the flash flood in Sabino Canyon ("1 killed, 1 missing in Sabino Canyon," Aug. 5).

He had been hiking with some friends when the flash flood hit them suddenly, sweeping him some 600 yards down Sabino Creek. Miraculously, he managed to grab a large rock and pull himself to safety.

However, he was unable to get out of where he landed, and the helicopter could not reach him. Observing all of this from higher ground were some Southern Arizona Rescue Association members. These fearless people got to my son, who was quite banged up, and helped him by hiking him out to safety.

These selfless people have done this many times, we are sure, and probably with no thanks to speak of. We would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

Janet Pense-Belford and George S. Belford

Tucson