From our hearts we thank you

Dear Editor:

On Aug. 29, 2005, a not-so-nice lady paid our area a visit. Her name was Katrina. She left in her wake death and destruction. Our beautiful beachfront community of Fontainebleau, an unincorporated area nestled between Ocean Springs and Gautier, Mississippi, suffered the same fate as the cities of Gulfport and Biloxi.

Our fire department, Fontainebleau Volunteer, was not spared. We lost our main station with its administrative offices, training room and three fire trucks.

More importantly, 20 one of our 25 members suffered major damage or total destruction to their personal homes.

In spite of it all, we were blessed; no member of our department nor any member of their families were killed.

Following the storm, as the days of search, rescue, and relief efforts seemed to endlessly drag on, our spirits started to wane. But just when we thought we could go no further nor work any longer, little events—actually they can be described as miracles — would come our way, giving us renewed hope, strength and spirit.

To this day, miracles are still occurring. One such miracle came from the good people of the Cherokee County area.

It is our understanding the Cherokee County Fire Chiefs Association sponsored fund raisers to collect money on behalf of a needy fire department and we, Fontainebleau Volunteer, was chosen as the recipients.

On Nov. 18, Mr. Matt Gordon paid a visit to our remaining station and presented us with a check from the association. But the gift did not end with a check. Mr. Gordon was pulling a trailer which was loaded with donated fire equipment.

Rest assured the money and donated gear are sorely needed. So much of what we lost will not be covered by insurance. Our financial resources are limited and we must somehow make up the difference to enable us to provide fire protection the citizens of our area deserve. With our own desire to recover and with the blessing of good will from such wonderful people like those of Cherokee County we will ultimately triumph over the best shot Mother Nature had to offer.

To the Cherokee County Fire Chiefs Association, the area fire departments and the citizens of Cherokee County, we, the men and women of the Fontainebleau Fire Department, extend our most heartfelt thanks. May the Light of the World shine upon all of you.

Michael Belton, Chief Fontainebleau Volunteer Fire Department

Ocean Springs, Miss.