*This* is why I do what I do!

When I got to work yesterday afternoon, there was a letter in my mailbox. Not an unusual thing, since I often get letters at work, but this one was in an envelope with a return address which said "Office of the Mayor, Utica IL". If you remember, Utica was almost wiped off the map late last month by an estimated F4 tornado, and 8 people lost their lives in this village of 1000 people.

I'll just post the contents of the letter without comment, except to say that it's the chance to help make things better for the people I encounter that motivate me to get up and put on my uniform and go to work.

You're most welcome, Mayor Esmond; it was my honor and pleasure.

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May 1th, 2004


Office of the Mayor
Fred Esmond, Mayor
City Hall
Utica, IL 61373

Hon. John Chambers
Sheriff
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Tuscola, IL 61953



Dear Sheriff Chambers,

Please allow me to formally thank you and the members of your Department's Rescue Squad for the invaluable assistance rendered to our village in the wake of last month's devestating tornado. Words alone cannot express the deep sense of profound gratitude we in Utica all feel for their efforts. Because of their timely arrival and the presence of your K-9 officer, six of our fellow citizens are alive today who would otherwise most likely have perished.

I remember clearly receiving word that your Rescue Squad was en route here and due to arrive within the hour, and that they were bringing with them a dog trained to locate trapped people, and that they also had specialized training in rescue and extrication from caves and collapsed buildings. That news truly represented one of the first signs of hope to the people of our small village, and to me personally. The grief we feel at the deaths of the eight who perished is made more bearable by the knowledge that the six who were rescued from the old bank building will all recover from their injuries and return to their normal, productive lives.

I am at a loss for the words to properly thank you and your men, if such words even exist in the English language, because we owe you a debt we can never be repaid. Quite literally, we owe you our lives. Let me say, however, that the old saying about a friend in time of need being a friend indeed was never more true than it was on that awful evening three weeks ago. Rest assured that your Department's timely response, diligence and plain hard work on our behalf will never be forgotten by the citizens of Utica.

The people who settled our state almost two centuries ago understood the importance of neighbor helping neighbor in times of crisis, and it is good to know that that same spirit lives on today, and that your Department is its embodiement.

Thank you!

/s/ Fred Esmond, Mayor

cc: Multiple

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:D

I needed a story like that. It seems we've seen too much of humans at their worst lately.

:toast: to you and your fellow officers.

Way to go! :)

It is an honor and a privilege to wear the uniform, and to know that you entrust me with serving and protecting you all.

:hi:

first time is a long time.

I didn't mean to make anyone cry. *blush*

:hi:

But I love positive stories like yours. They show the best that we can be. I really needed that today.

I'll admit that getting that letter made my day, too. :)

I've been feeling so overwhelmed and hopeless about what's going on in the US and abroad. I'm glad there are still people whose call it is to help others in need. And I'm glad there are people who take the time to express deep words of gratitude like this. All is not lost.

America is FULL of good, honest and decent people; now, all we have to do is empower them yet again. :)

My husband loves watching Cops and another show on Reality TV about State Highway Patrolmen and we are always talking about officers are just out there trying to do their job and have to put up with so much crap - not to mention danger.

Thank heaven there are good people out there willing to do this job.

keep up the good work!

:yourock:

It's so easy sometimes for folks to forget that there really are people like you who give their all and put their lives on the line for us.

since you are my neighbor on the right of me in the DU Gallery, I'm even more honored to be with such a fine officer serving his community in such a positive way!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful letter with us,
Call me Crew most of my friends do! :hi:

:hi: Crew!