A+ grade

Dear sir:
I wish to pay tribute to our local firefighters.
You really only learn to appreciate them when they are called upon to come to your rescue. And we learned the evening of Sept. 3 (Labour Day), the day lightning struck and burned down our garage, that this is not the first time our local firefighters have come to my rescue.
Frank Sheppard, Greg Allan, and Daryl Eyolfson came to my rescue some years ago when I was involved, and seriously injured, in a car accident. I never knew, until the night of the lightning strike, who it was that probably saved me from far more serious consequences and injuries than I suffered.
This time, it was the likes of Joe Bobczynski and Kirk Armstrong who did the job, along with a very dedicated crew of volunteer firefighters. We are indeed grateful, as are our neighbours, for the firefighters’ swift response and dedication to their work.
Yes, the rain and wind may have provided some help, but the fact that the garage was full of motorized equipment, a number of gas and propane tanks, not to mention the rafters which were full of very dry cedar and ash panelling, their quick and efficient response definitely saved the house and likely the neighbour’s, as well.
The subway construction and local traffic (many attracted by the fire and not realizing they were causing a problem) obstructed and delayed a number of volunteers from getting through to the scene. This added pressure to those firefighters already at the scene.
At the site, as well, the OPP had to direct traffic because of on-lookers who were obstructing quick access to the fire.
In spite of it all, and keeping in mind that it was a holiday, our local volunteer firefighters responded to the call. Throughout the evening, Capt. Kirk Armstrong and Capt. Joe Bobczynski, along with the volunteers, were clearly on the job—and remained congenial and helpful.
After the fire was out, they helped clean up broken glass and board up windows. Darwin Woods volunteered and stayed until past midnight to monitor the scene, in case of a flare-up.
From a retired high school teacher—who actually taught a number of these very classy guys and gals—you get an A-plus, and much more importantly, our heartfelt thanks!
Respectfully,
Norm and Betsy Guenette
Fort Frances, Ont.