As your readership knows, on Dec. 3 the residents of the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood experienced a terrible disruption in their lives, and a significant loss of property as the result of a 10-alarm fire. This fire presented innumerable challenges to the Cambridge Fire Department, and the Members of Cambridge Firefighters Local 30 wanted to take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to the hundreds of people who contributed in so many ways to successfully mitigating an enormously challenging event.

First, to our partners in public safety - the Cambridge Police Department, Emergency Communications Center, and Professional Ambulance - who responded with their characteristic bravery, dedication, and proficiency.

To the fire departments from over 25 communities throughout the Greater Boston Area, and to the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, who answered our request for mutual aid and worked side by side with us to contain the threat.

To our coworkers from other city departments - Water Department, Public Works, Electrical Department, Inspectional Services, Housing, Human Services, Public Schools, and to Eversource Electric and Gas and the MWRA - who assisted in so many ways to render the scene safe enough for us to work, and worked diligently to re-establish services for the residents and businesses affected by this tragedy.

To the Boston Sparks Association, Providence Canteen, and American Red Cross who provided so much comfort to us throughout the long, cold, wet, windy night.

To citizens and businesses who generously provided food during the incident, and all those who offered a kind word to us on the street in the days after the fire.

And finally, to everyone who donated to the fund to help the victims of this historic event, and to the city administrators and elected officials who coordinated relief efforts in the aftermath.

To each of you, and to any we may have failed to mention by name, we offer our admiration and heartfelt gratitude, and best wishes in the holiday season.

Sincerely,

- Christopher Haynes, president, on behalf of members of Cambridge Firefighters Local 30