XXXXX XXXXXXX

XX XXXXXX St.

Carbondale, PA 18407

April 30, 2008

Mayor Justin Taylor

Carbondale City Hall

Main Street

Carbondale, PA 18407

I am writing this letter to extend my sincere thank you to the Carbondale Fire Department, in addition to making you aware of a job well done. If not for their quick response, professional training and fighting this fire like they were saving their own homes, I would have lost my house to arson at 45-47 Washington Street on the early morning hours of April 28, 2008.

I am a single mother who has worked four jobs for five years to move from a HUD development (Westgate Dr) to being a homeowner and a tax paying citizen, my home is all I have and I have put my blood, sweat and tears into this house which would have been a pile of ashes if not for the Carbondale Fire Department.

Numerous fire companies responded however, with all due respect to the other departments – it was the Carbondale Fire Department which I watched in fear save my home. As I sit and have this nightmare continue over and over in my head – In between my thoughts, I thank God for the quick response of the Department.

If I had to decide where my taxes had to go – after what I witnessed – all of my taxes would go to the paid firefighters of Carbondale. I ask you Mr. Mayor to keep the paid firefighters in this city. They are Carbondale’s most valuable asset.

I don’t expect you to understand this unless you watched the house six feet away from your own be fully engulfed by fire – I pulled my children out of bed so fast and so hard I bruised their arms, as much as I want you to walk in my shoes that morning, I would not wish that fearful night on my worst enemy. I ask once again to keep these men and women right where they belong…………….on the payroll!!!

Respectfully,

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Cc: Carbondale Fire Department

      Carbondale City Council