March 15, 2018
Municipality of Skagway meeting minutes
<<Timothy Sislo indicated that on February 6, 2018, his best friend Anthony Michael Bissaco ended his own life. Mr. Sislo indicated that he met Anthony in Skagway four years ago, and over time knew him to be one of the kindest and caring people he has ever met. Mr. Sislo indicated that darkness followed Anthony through most of his life and followed him up until his recent death in Skagway. Mr. Sislo indicated that the first time Anthony mentioned suicide to him was the first time he truly saw Anthony’s struggle. Mr. Sislo indicated that Skagway was a refuge for Anthony, and he loved the mountains, wilderness, and ocean; Anthony knew that in Skagway he could be as alone as he needed to be or surrounded by a community of people to lift him up.
Mr. Sislo asked the public to help with more information into the police department’s investigation of the events the night of February 6; many who knew Anthony were shocked and hurt and have no feeling of closure. Mr. Sislo indicated that when Anthony mentioned suicide he would often talk about just wanting to disappear; with the circumstances of the case right now, Anthony is still currently listed as missing. Mr. Sislo indicated that he personally believes that evidence surrounding the case would help give solid proof and help everyone gain some closure. Mr. Sislo encouraged more suicide awareness, education, and prevention; suicide does not often occur in Skagway but it does occur, and there was a tragic loss in 2012. Mr. Sislo indicated that there has to be a line of communication and people in Skagway need to know they are not alone. Mr. Sislo noted that more information about local counseling services is needed, as well as information about the Police Department’s welfare check program, the Alaska Careline, and National Suicide Prevention services.
Mr. Sislo indicated that Skagway may seem like the happiest place on earth when cruise ships are in town, but once they sail away Skagway is a real town with real people who do suffer from real issues; this is the point where the community of Skagway should shine through. Mr. Sislo Skagway as a community should try to lift people up and let them know it is here to support everybody. Mr. Sislo indicated he did not get a goodbye from Anthony because Anthony knew Mr. Sislo would have done anything in his power to stop him, to make him know there is so much more to life. Mr. Sislo indicated he is at the meeting today because he does not want Anthony to disappear, and to ask Skagway to lift each other up, and to make these services more easily accessible, to educate, and to let the people of Skagway know that they may be scarred, broken, and bruised, but they are not alone.>>