To Jeff MacNelly, who created the find-the-positive-role-model cartoon of Dec. 18: I would like to thank you on behalf of myself, my wife, my children, my grandchildren and every member of this fire department for your work in creating such a moving, humbling and pride-producing statement.
Over the years many nice things have been said about members of the fire service. This illustration, however, is beyond any doubt one of the nicest things that could be said about us. I know enlarged copies have been made and are on the bulletin boards of every fire station in this city. And I wouldn`t be surprised if it was on at least 475 refrigerators in this city, like mine is at home.
As I look back on 31 years of firefighting and the influence I have over my sons (two of whom are also firefighters) and my grandchildren just because I am in the fire service, it leaves me with a great sense of responsibility. Your illustration has made it so much easier for me.
