To the Editor:

I would like to express a public and personal "thank you" to the members of the Hermon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company for their fast response and quick knockdown at a structure fire at property I own in the town of Hermon on the evening of Nov. 19.

Although the interior was a total loss, their work at least gave me something to rebuild and saved the area from a burned out building and cellar hole. A hearty and much appreciated " thank you " also goes out to the members of the Richville and Dekalb Junction Fire Companies who responded quickly to Hermon's call for mutual aid.

I stressed volunteer because all of these folks responded on their own time and at considerable risk. If you have a friend, neighbor or relative who is a member of a volunteer fire company, rescue squad or the Red Cross, thank them now. You never know.

I was fortunate to have insurance coverage and may be able to rebuild but the family with two young children, ages 8 and 10, did not and lost everything. At this time of the year when we have so much to be thankful for, please open your hearts a little wider. Any donations to help this family start rebuilding their lives would be appreciated. I can be contacted at 287-4874.

My thanks again to all who responded and who are continuing to help.

Bill Balling, Hermon