To the Editor:

By 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17 nearly 200 volunteers had come to the Potsdam firehouse to help in any way they could to combat the damage that was caused by the windstorm. Once again cooperation and compassion were the trademarks of the Potsdam Community. We can be very proud of how our town came together in this emergency.

Particularly, we thank Potsdam Fire Department who worked round the clock for several days. Also thank you to members of the Canton, West Stockholm, Parishville, and Morley Fire Departments who also responded and Potsdam Rescue Squad also was ever present.

Highway Superintendent John Keleher and the town highway crew did an amazing job. They cleared closed roads, moving, cutting, and chipping trees so that by Wednesday evening all roads were passable.

We owe a debt of thanks to St. Lawrence County Fire Police, St. Lawrence County Sherriff’s Deputies, and the New York State troopers who manned intersections until traffic lights were working. Local New York State Department of Transportation Officials came to our aid immediately and sent help in clearing trees.

Joe Gilbert, Chair of the St. Lawrence County Emergency Service Office, and Chris Taylor of the New York State Fire Prevention Bureau were at the firehouse within minutes after the storm and coordinated all of the clean-up efforts for several days.

On Wednesday, Steven Kuhr and his staff from the New York State Emergency Management Office came to offer help. Senators Griffo and Ritchie were instrumental in persuading Governor Cuomo to declare the Village and Town of Potsdam into a state of emergency.

We are so grateful for all the assistance and cooperation we received from individuals, volunteers, and state agencies. We are particularly happy that no one was seriously injured during this event. All of this made us proud to live in Potsdam.

Marie C. Regan, Town of Potsdam Supervisor