To the Editor,

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to the professional, caring members of our local Fire Department.  This past week they assisted me into my home after I was released  from Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston.  I was in Brigham for six days following thoracic spine surgery for problems that were causing me to have extreme leg weakness and difficulty walking.

Brigham arranged transportation for me to my home, but I knew I would need major assistance getting into my house.  Desperate, with few options, I called the Warwick Fire Department to see if they would be able to assist me once I arrived home.  They said that they would be glad to help and to call when I had returned home. I returned to Warwick from  Boston right in the middle of a severe, Code Red, lightning storm with heavy winds.  Within  minutes after contacting the Department, a fire truck and three dedicated firefighters appeared,  ready to help. 

I cannot express enough sincere gratitude to the crew who helped me safely up the driveway, through my garage, up the stairs, and into my bedroom. I could not have made it without them.  As you might imagine, getting back safely home after a hospitalization is one great feeling. I just wanted to thank the firefighters publicly and to let our residents know that, when in trouble, the Warwick Fire Department has our backs (no pun intended).

Incidentally, my wife wanted to offer my Guardian Angels some “coffee money”, but the crew would have none of that and said it was not necessary.  I hope your readers can appreciate what a resource we have, especially when we are in need of help.  Warwick’s unwavering and devoted public servants are there for us!  Thanks again, Firefighters, and keep up the exemplary work.                                                                                                                               

John Richardson

Warwick