The Emporia Gazette

May 28, 2012

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WE HAD A FIRE in our home at 1218 W. 18th Ave. on the evening of Resurrection Sunday. Our chimney caught fire and damaged the living room and garage as well as the roof and smoke damage.

I was amazed at how quickly the Emporia Fire Department responded and how well trained, professional, and caring they are. They were an amazing team with each one knowing his assignment by heart. They went to great lengths to limit the damage from extinguishing the fire and worked hard to preserve what they identified as important items and keepsakes. Then, they covered the hole in the roof and were gone as professionally as they arrived — all with kindness, compassion, understanding and clear explanation of our next immediate steps.

We are truly blessed to have such a professional department in our city keeping us safe. Thank you Emporia Fire Department for saving our home. We owe you a debt of gratitude we can never repay. We are also thankful for all the neighbors who came to our aid bringing shoes, coats, umbrellas, plywood, comfort and encouragement on that cold, rainy late afternoon. Emporia is a great place to live. Our house is coming back together again with the care and help of Tobias Insurance Agency and the professionals too numerous to list who are working on our home. I hope everyone sleeps better tonight knowing there are many caring people in this fine community.