A big thank you goes out to all the men and women in the Mineola Fire Department. My parents' home on Brown Street suffered a severe fire on Good Friday, March 21 (MFD Fights Fire on Brown Street, Mineola American, April 5).

Due to the valiant efforts of the fire department, my parents and their caregiver made it out without any problems.

My parents have lived in Mineola for almost 50 years, first residing on Roslyn Road, then purchasing their Brown Street home in 1968. My mother worked as a bookkeeper for Latham Brothers Lumber Company for over 40 years total in Mineola. My father was on the television show Bowling for Dollars in 1979 and it was mentioned at that time that he lived in Mineola.

I have been a mail carrier in Mineola for 20 years and write and perform music. I recorded two songs about Mineola for the centennial celebration and played at the library and the carnival at Wilson Park after the big parade (see www.bobkoenigmusic.com). While I no longer reside in Mineola, I see enough people to know why it is called the "friendly town."

My parents may not be able to go back to the home, but they lived through the tragedy due to these brave souls who make up the Mineola Fire Department. You are lucky to have them here.

Bob Koenig