Dear Editor,

Among the seemingly endless losses of good things lately, I am very sad to learn of the NFPD Board’s decision to dismiss the upstanding service of my Fire Chief, neighbor and friend Rick Dirr.

This leaves me not much else to say except to express gratitude and appreciation for his tenure. Chief Dirr’s encouragement was the impetus for me to join Ned Fire in 2002. Over the years he has been an excellent mentor, motivator, protector, leader, role model and inspiration to me in all aspects of emergency response and life in general. In addition to his technical skills and rare sense of humor, Rick is one of the most sincere, dedicated and overall decent human beings I have ever met.

Despite the demoralizing politics this past year, I am grateful for the good memories, the shared wisdom, and the honor to have served under Chief Dirr and alongside some other great people for most of my time here in Nederland.

I appreciate Rick’s efforts to work with the process during this difficult year, and wish the best and happier times for him and his family.

Laurelyn Sayah

Nederland