This is to extend our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for the job done by Mercer Island Police and Fire in their swift and effective handling of a self-inflicted hedge fire at our home the night of July 4. Members of the Marine Patrol and Special Events Team were on site literally within mere minutes helping to put water on the rapidly spreading blaze prior to the multiple trucks and firefighters arriving immediately thereafter. There is no doubt that the actions and swift response of our unified public safety organizations saved ours — and at least one other neighbor’s house in the bargain that night.

There is no way to explain the feeling one gets when you shout “Call 911” to your spouse as a situation spirals out of control and the brief seconds your eyes lock. The counter to that is the relief you get a few minutes later when you hear them say, “They’re on the way.” Praise God!

Not everyone has as good an outcome as ours, but I assure you we were destined for a very bad thing had it not been for all involved and on-scene that night. This could have been really bad — we were very lucky!

Bravo, and thanks again one and all!

Bruce & Cheryl Maxwell