We would like to publicly thank the many public safety workers who responded to the fire at our home and toiled for much of the day assisting in its management. In addition to Harvard, firefighters from Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, Lancaster, Littleton, and Stow participated in the daylong effort, in brutally cold and snowy conditions.
Police managed the traffic, led by Sergeant Coates who arrived first and saw to our safety, and evacuated our neighbors to ensure theirs as well. Personnel from Devens covered Harvard during the event. Chief Donald Hurme led the efforts, and collected us in late afternoon for a walk through what remained of our home. He prepared us for this grim event, and managed to traverse the dangerous kitchen to retrieve the engagement ring with which our married life began some 44 years ago.
The Harvard police have kept watch on our home during the time since, for which we are most grateful. It is impossible to name all the wonderful people who have reached out to us in a wide variety of ways—please know how very much we appreciate all you have done.
Six days after the fire, Sergeant Coates and the ambulance returned to provide me emergency transport to the hospital during yet another blizzard. Again, we are most grateful for the professionalism and response to a medical need.
It is easy to criticize public safety personnel. With knowledge and experience it is impossible not to sing their praises—thank you all!
Margaret and Ed Murphy
Harris Lane
