Heartfelt thanks to Palatine fire dept.

A letter to Battalion Commander Roy Cipri, Palatine Fire Department:

In our present day fast-paced, frenetic and hectic world, too often we take many things for granted. We don't often offer thanks for the blessings that God gives us. This we want to ensure is not one of those times.

On Jan. 15, 2009 at approximately 5:10 a.m., the Palatine Fire Department consisting of Robbie Kluzek, Rick Dawson and Albert Martin of the Truck Crew, Matt Mulvey and Shawn Walters of the Ambulance Crew, and the Squad Crew of Officer Kurilla and Nate Pallsberg), responded to an alarm at our church, St. Thomas of Villanova.

The quick actions of your department and the extra labor offered in solving our frozen water pipe and subsequent leakage problem helped us overcome what could have been a real disaster. Water, while it offers many positive and life supporting/changing features, can also potentially be harmful. In this case, your department kept our damages to a minimum.

In the past years, your department has responded to numerous calls from our Parish; often times during Mass. The Fire Department personnel have always responded and conducted themselves in a professional and courteous manner. Even during times of Mass, the firefighters and paramedics have been calming, respectful and a joy to work with.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks for all that you do not only for the community of St. Thomas of Villanova, but the Village of Palatine as well. We would appreciate your noting the files of the aforementioned firefighters as having gone above and beyond their duty in responding to our call for help.

Again, thanks for all that you and your department do! Our prayers of thanksgiving go out for the Palatine Fire Department.

May God's Blessing continue to reign down on you and your department!

Father Thomas R. Rzepiela, pastor

St. Thomas of Villanova

Palatine