Departments  »  Fire Department  »  Thank You RFD!

Generally people call the fire department when things are at their worst. We meet people when they are in crisis: an injury, severe medical problem or everything they own might be threatened by fire. We don't do what we do for the thank you's. But occasionally we receive a note or a card. It is nice to hear from people (in calmer times) just how much what we do can affect them and their lives.

Our reply?.....
You are more than welcome!!

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church National Night Out Event

Fire Department Staff members - A note to express our 'thanks' for making an appearance at our 3rd annual Neighborhood National Night Out event held at Good Shepard Lutheran Church.  We had around 220 people in attandance on a beautiful summer evening with an awesome sunset overlooking our fine city.  Thanks for all that you do!

-Gaylene Ryan, Evangelism Committee

Brighter Tomorrows

Dear Members of the Rochester Fire Department - I don't even know how to put into words what your generosity meant to the families of Brighter Tomorrows.  Thank you so very much for taking the time to bring the Rescue Unit and Fire Engine to the IBM Park last Sunday, for the Brighter Tomorrows' picnic.  What a surprise for the children!  I heard many of them telling their parents how cool it was to be able to "drive" a real fire truck.  They loved getting to wear the gear, talk with the firemen and sit in the truck. 

Thanks also for making all this happen on such short notice.  Most of these children deal with cancer and its related treatments every day of their lives.  Thanks for giving them a small reprieve from the seriousness of those realities.

- Sherrie Decker - VP Brighter Tomorrows

Rochesterfest

Rochester Fire Department, Thank You for all the Fire Department does for Rochesterfest.  We greatly appreciate you providing the "first aid" crews during the week.  It's a huge plus to have them on site and ready to help if needed.  

Hosing off the picnic tables is a big plus and the kids love putting out the "fire" on Family Fun Night as well. 

-  Carole Brown

Rochester Library Foundation

The Rochester Public Library Foundation greatfully acknowledges your generous support of our summer fundraising event, the Amusing Race, by providing fire fighter hats.The Amusing Race is intended to raise funds to support the missions and vision of the Rochester Public Library Foundation. Thanks to your participation we raised almost $10,000 that will be used to augment collections, expand programs, and launch pilot projects that enrich the lives of the citizens of Olmsted County.....   

Rochester Post Bulletin

Thank you so much for presenting fire extinguisher safety to P-B employees.  It was one of our most popular classes this year!  We sincerely appreciate the time and efforts of you and your men.  Thanks also for all the Rochester Fire Department does to keep area residents and businesses safe. 
-Jayne, Miliene, and Karen, P-B Human Resources

PAIIR, ECFE and RPU

Thank you for your participation and support at the 15th Annual Transportation Fair held on Saturday, May 16, at Goose Egg Park, co-sponsored by PAIIR, the Rochester School District's Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program and Rochester Public Works. PAIIR's mission is to strengthen families with young children through education and support.  The Transportation Fair is a great way to reach many families by providing a fun, free activity for parents and children to do together. The children (and parents) absolutely loved the vehicles displayed and the valuable resources available.  We hope you enjoyed your time as well.  This event simply would not be possible without your generous support.  Your time, vehicle(s), and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.  We thank you, and the families of Rochester thank you.  We hope to see you next year.
-Peggy O'Toole-Martin, PAIIR Program Manager

Family of Hearing Impaired Youth

I just wanted to say thank you for the strobe smoke detector for my son.  He is excited about getting it installed.  As important as this is, it is something a person wants to have but doesn't spend the money to get it. Thanks so much for the extra effort into getting it to my son-in-law.  I always knew that firefighters were "special people" - God Bless! Marcia Holland  

MVA Crash Victim

I just wanted to write and say a huge THANK YOU to the team who was on the scene of my accident April 17 near Rocky Creek Drive NE.  I was pretty upset at the time and did not properly thank everyone.  I appreciate the care in which I was handled.  Your professionalism is the BEST.  Thanks to all who assisted me during that difficult time.
-Jennifer Taylor

Jaycees 4th of July Parade

On behalf of the Rochester Jaycees, I would like to thank the Rochester Fire Department for once again participating in the Rochester Jaycees Fourth of July Kiddie Parade.  The children really enjoyed seeing the truck and talking with the firefighters.  We also really appreciated the offer of the firefighters to lead the parade with the truck.  It was a very nice touch and generated alot of positive comments from the parents in attendance.  We look forward to another parade next year and hope that your department can once again be part of the event.
-Jason Rosha, Rochester Jaycees Parade Chairperson

Family of Retired Fire Fighter Wayne Clark

As you are aware, my husband Wayne Clark, passed away on June 7 after a 5 week illness with pancreatic cancer.  Wayne was a retired RFD Captain, the father of retired Captain Russ Clark, and retired Battalian Chief Dan Dinneen's father-in-law.  The Fire Department's presence and participation in Wayne's funeral was very important to our family.  The "four 5s" alarm, honor guard, and trucks leading the procession to Calvary Cemetary were a very personal and meaningful tribute to Wayne. 
-Jane Clark

National Night Out

A note to express our "thanks" for your time, talents, and equipment you donated and shared with all of us at the Good Shepherd National Night Out event held on August 5th.  This was our 2nd annual Neighborhood National Night Out and we had around 140 in attendance, and a most beautiful summer evening.  Thank you for all you do for the City of Rochester!
-Gaylene Ryan, on behalf of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Evangelism Committee

Thank you for helping to make Homestead Village's 2008 National Night Out a success!
-From the staff at Homestead Village

Boy Scout Life Saving Award

Thank you for sending Deputy Chief Lyle Felsch to represent RFD at the honor ceremony for Nicholas Aaron Seavy last Saturday.  It added a great deal to the importance of the occasion both in the eyes of Nicholas, his family, and the 80 young men present at the ceremony.  Chief Felsch represented RFD well in his full regalia, and also in his approachable manner with the young men.  I believe he successfully raised the esteem of firefighters and the career of firefighting in the eyes of these young men.
-Brian Cragun