I am writing to send praise to a longtime friend, David Heidrich, whose recent retirement from the Oxford Fire Department brings to a close a 40-year career serving citizens in Oxford and in Woodmere, New York.

I had the pleasure of getting sworn into the Woodmere Fire Department with Heidrich back in 1977. He was a top-shelf firefighter right from the start, and I am sure his leadership skills were top-shelf, also.

I hope that the town of Oxford appreciates the sacrifices Heidrich, his family and all members of the firefighting profession make each and every day.

Hats off to him. I hope he can enjoy retirement with his family and friends.

David Hamill, Monterey, Massachusetts