10/31/2026
Dear Presque Isle and region,
I want to recognize and thank the first responders who worked for many hours at the large fire on Main Street in Presque Isle today. Our firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, and mutual aid partners worked with skill, coordination, and commitment protecting our community. We lost a house that many people called home yet all adults, children, infants, and pets remained safe. This is everything.
Many today were soaking wet, exhausted from an early morning start, cold from fall temps and water spray, breathed smoke or steam, had windburned faces, were covered in ash, had been up for hours and yet continued on without complaint or hesitation. I witnessed kindness extended to the displaced residents needing reassurance and patient support for each other. This is resilience.
A response like this takes sustained effort, practice, and teamwork. I am grateful to everyone who answered the call and to the City employees who supported the response behind the scenes too. To our surrounding communities that stood beside us, thank you for building the kind of relationship with us that matters when we are at our greatest hour of need. You all showed the best of you today. This is community.
Thanks is owed as well to Facilities, Code Enforcement, and our Public Information Officer who stepped in to help the crews manage. To the Councilors who showed up with help, thank you. To the Councilors who showed up to determine how they could help, thank you. This matters.
We are also thinking of the individuals and families whose homes and belongings were destroyed. We recognize that the days ahead may be difficult, and we extend our care and support to everyone affected. We are grateful that the Red Cross organized help for our people. There are others. Help is on the way.
Finally, Chief Darrell joined Deputy Chief Nate in formation, shepherding him on course and then removed guidance so Deputy Chief Nate could lead the response. He kept the crew on course, the scene safe, and took command. I’m grateful to see the trust Chief Darrell has in Nate and Nate’s readiness to lead. This is leadership.
My hope is that you all find rest and recovery today. I am proud to serve alongside you, and grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization.
Our community is so profoundly fortunate to have so many people with hearts and minds wired to help the hurting. This is us.
“One City, One Mission.”
In gratitude,
Sonja Eyler
City Manager
City of Presque Isle
