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To The Editor:

In the early morning of July 25th a seven-alarm fire raged through a section of Ward 2 displacing 44 residents and destroying 2 buildings with damage to 4 others.

Thanks to the extraordinary response and efforts of the Somerville Firefighters there was no loss of life and a raging fire, which could have had far worse consequences, was contained.

As I watched them tackle the blaze with along with a large group of residents, more than one person expressed their pride and appreciation for the heroic efforts of the Department. But of course the Firefighters did their job as if it was all in a day’s work, just content that they were able to keep a community safe.

They deserve our thanks and gratitude and I want to publicly thank them for their efforts that morning.

Thanks also go out to the Somerville Police for their support on the scene. Their presence was a comfort to residents and allowed firefighters to do their job.

EMS personnel as well as Firefighters from many area cities and towns including: Medford, Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Brookline, Malden, Belmont, Winchester, Waltham, Revere, Stoneham, and Everett responded and their efforts are to be commended.

Displaced residents were assisted by the American Red Cross and they did a fantastic job working out of the Argenziano School to help displaced residents, many of whom were not from the area and needed assistance with housing, food, contacting relatives and friends and just general comfort which the Red Cross does so well.

After the fire was out, Somerville Inspectional Services worked to make sure that buildings were properly dealt with and the always reliable DPW insured that the streets were cleared and cleaned.

I only have pride and thanks for the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. We must always remember their commitment to this city and thank them and support them. This is one public official who will never forget.

Sincerely,

Maryann Heuston
Ward 2 Alderman
115 Beacon St.
617-492-5331