Couple thankful for help with fire

To the editor:

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Portland, Salamonia, Ward Township and Southwest Mercer fire departments for their excellent job of responding to our barn fire on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20.

They worked together like they were one department.

Both fire chiefs, Mike Weitzel and Scott Hilfiker, were compassionate for our loss and on several occasions checked with us before making a decision.

Some of the firefighters were at church when the call came in and they left immediately to help get the fire under control. 

It was a hot, dirty job, but not a person complained.

An excavator was needed to move the large, round bales of hay, and Burl and Matt Taylor were here on short notice and stayed until it was under control.

When the fire was no longer a threat, both chiefs reminded us that they would return if it rekindled. They did return at midnight to bring the burning hay under control.

May neighbors came to help, and Kim Nuckols brought water for the firefighters.

In summary, we are lucky to have capable, compassionate and well-equipped fire protection.

Thanks again,

Joyce and Bob Lyons

Rural Portland