LETTER: Firefighters, first responders provided quick response to fire 

To Ozaukee Press:

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who came to our aid during a recent emergency situation at our home. 

On July 15, our barn started on fire and quickly became fully engulfed. While the damage was devastating to us, the swift action, professionalism and compassion made all the difference during this difficult time. From the first police officer on the scene to the last fire truck leaving our driveway, we found comfort in the heroic individuals who came to help.

We would like to thank the dedicated members of the following fire departments: Fredonia, Belgium, Waubeka, Port Washington, Ozaukee Central, Newburg, Fillmore, Cedar Grove, and Random Lake. We are incredibly grateful for the countless hours you devoted to putting out the fire on an incredibly hot summer day. 

We would also like to thank the Ozaukee County Highway Department and Ozaukee County Emergency Management for their essential role in managing the situation.

In addition, we would like to thank Laura Burke, who came to help guide and support us during the fire to ensure we understood the next steps in recovery.

And finally, we would like to thank all of the family members, friends and community members who have reached out to see if we are okay and how they can help. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Kendall and Carla Thistle

Belgium