'Your help and concern ... defines this community'

This letter was read aloud at Monday's Arlington Heights Village Board meeting:

Dear residents of Arlington Heights: As mayor of Arlington Heights, I was asked by the Finnerty/Murphy family to convey their overwhelming sense of gratitude to our residents who provided an outpouring of welcomed support during a frightening and tragic time. As many of you know, three members of our community family Kevin, Trish and Garrett Finnerty -- died in a disturbing house fire that occurred on June 2.

Family members of the victims shared with me how incredibly impressed they were with the compassion shown by neighbors, schools, churches, the business community and even complete strangers. Your help and concern shown towards the Finnerty family is what defines this community. Your actions speak volumes about the character of Arlington Heights, which is one of the warmest "small," big towns in America!

The Finnerty family tragedy awakens in all of us the shock of horrible things that can occur in our everyday lives. This tragedy struck many of us with deep sadness, but it was inspirational to see this sense of disbelief and grief turn into positive actions that will help the survivors of this family for years to come.

When tragedy strikes it has the power to tear us apart, but it also has the power to bond us and heighten our awareness of the depths of what others may be facing at any given time in their lives. In this regard, may you always remember how your acts of kindness tremendously helped a family in dire need of your caring support.

On behalf of the entire Village Board, we are extremely proud of the love and support shown to the Finnerty family and of the sensitive, professional services provided by our Public Safety staff.

Please join us now for a moment of silence to remember the Finnerty family members who passed, and to offer our hope and prayers for the surviving family members.

Arlene J. Mulder

Mayor, Arlington Heights