Nunzio and MaryLou DePaola of Livingston wrote to the Tribune this week to applaud the members of the Livingston Fire and Police Departments “for being our heroes.”She wrote, “On Sunday, we had an electrical fire in our garage. We were blessed we were home, and we all got out safely.“Watching from our neighbor’s front yard, seeing the black smoke bellowing out of the garage, was horrifying and paralyzing. We thought we were going to lose our home. Within three minutes of my call to 9-1-1, Chief Mullin and two other volunteers pulled up to our home and ran in with extinguishers. Shortly afterwards, several volunteer firefighters, police officers, and three fire engines, with a number of other firefighters, arrived to assist. These fine emergency responders saved our home in less than ten minutes of my call to 9-1-1.”DePaola continued, “Thanks to modern technology and our Ring doorbell, I was able to see the fast responses of these men and women. These individuals were going about their Sunday when they received the call, and these brave volunteers dropped what they were doing to respond to our house fire. They are volunteers, who put their lives at peril for Livingston residents each time they receive a call. We wish we could mention each and everyone’s name; however, please know if you were among the individuals who saved our home, we will forever be grateful!”In conclusion, DePaola wrote, “Besides their quick response, they performed their job professionally, and with tremendous compassion. These individuals are the true definition of the words selfless, generous, courageous, brave, and community. We are indebted to all of them for saving our home, and they will always have our continued support.”In addition, she noted, “Thank you to the Livingston Police Officers who responded to our call and ensured our safety while we watched this horrid event, and thank you to all those who volunteer in our Livingston community and keep all Livingston residents safe!”
