Thanks for help in time of need

On June 30, 2010, I was at work when I received a call that the back of my home was on fire and 911 had been called. 

After rushing home, I watched in disbelief as I lost my entire home despite the hard work and efforts of many firefighters. 

Needless to say, the aftermath of such a loss is incredibly overwhelming, but, within hours of the fire, the outpouring of love and support from many of you in the town of Mechanicsville was simply amazing. Some of you we know, many of you we do not. 

I would like to thank everyone who was there offering their support, donations, time and love during this time of need. 

The children and I could not have made it through those first few weeks without you. 

Because of you, we had clothes to wear and the necessities that we needed as we struggled to start over.

Saying thank you is not nearly enough but I want everyone to know I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. 

I also want to thank the many firefighters who were there, risking their lives, who tried to save our home that day. 
I want to give a special thank you to Victor Jordan, who cared enough that day, to stop on his way to work when he saw the flames coming from the back of my home, who got my mother and two children out of the house in time. I owe you so very much that I will never be able to repay. 

I also thank the many churches who continually kept us in your prayers and for your generosity and support. 

Kim, Morgan and Cole Simmons
Mechanicsville

Thanks to deputies

A few roads in my neighborhood got together for our “National Night Out” block party. 

Our neighborhood watch lady invited deputies to come.

I liked how the K-9 Unit came.

The officer brought a brown bloodhound named Duke. He told us how Duke does his job by sniffing our the criminals.

Duke even has a car set up just for him! The whole back seat is gone and in its place is his dog bed, a toy and a water bowl!

My dad and I are dog lovers and Duke could tell, so he jumped at us. Then Duke laid down when my dad walked by; he wanted his belly rubbed! 

Two bike officers rode all the way from the old courthouse which is pretty far to my house! They were dressed like police motorcyclists.

It was a good example to see them wearing helmets and the right shoes. 

I didn’t know they actually went to bike school!

They had hot dogs with everyone. They played football with me and my friend Daniel and they were good throwers.

A regular car officer came too and told us how he did his job and had a hot dog.

I’m glad our police came to be part of the community and not just when bad things happen. This makes me feel proud to live in Hanover. 

Everyone should have been there! But since they weren’t, I wanted to share how much I liked the deputies coming to the party and how much I appreciate the work they do.

Nathan McGhee
Age 7
Fox Head