Login  /  Register  | 3 premium articles left before you must register.
Join | Rewards | Advertise | Mobile

Fire companies protect the region's history

William G. Winterer Essex

Publication: The Day

Published 08/29/2010 12:00 AM
Updated 08/29/2010 04:34 AM

As the founder and a life trustee of the Connecticut River Museum, I naturally feel almost a propriety interest in the museum. Thus, upon learning of the fire that could have totally destroyed the buildings and the extensive collections, I felt devastated at its near destruction.
Upon inspecting the buildings the morning after the fire, I was elated at the limit of destruction of the buildings and the total preservation of the paintings and artifacts it housed.
The credit for this extraordinary phenomenal act of preservation goes to the professional competence and good judgment of the members of the fire departments of Essex, Deep River and Old Saybrook, in addition to those others standing by in the event of need.
The requirements of sensitivity and the careful handling of historical artifacts, in addition to the intelligent application of firefighting techniques, created a gift not replaceable to future generations. Buildings can be duplicated but historical documents, paintings and memorabilia cannot.
These men and women are heroes not unlike those who defend our freedoms in Iraq and Afghanistan. We should let them know how much we appreciate them on any occasion and tell them that, without them, so much of importance would have been lost.

Popular on theday.com

Town News

Visit Zip06
what is zip06? | my profile
Submit Your:  Submit Your News Submit Your Photos Submit Your Events
Most Recent Poll

Read the transcript of the chat with New London Mayor Finizio

The Day hosted a web chat with New London Mayor Daryl J. Finizio to discuss the beginning of his new administration and news out of the city's police department.

MORE CHATS

What’s the worst Valentine’s gift you ever received?

With the Valentine’s Day holiday approaching, we wanted to see if any of our readers ever received a Valentine’s gift that was memorably bad. If you did, send your response in...

MORE QUERIES
The Day on Facebook

In the past two weeks our Facebook fans have won tickets to the CT Tigers, Newport Winefest and Mystic Seaport. Become a fan of The Day on Facebook for access to these contests, breaking news, TheDay.com's best features and more!

Facebook.com/thedayct