Please allow me this opportunity to offer a sincere note of gratitude to those who were especially kind and generous to my family and me following a near catastrophe at my home.

On Wednesday, Sept. 26, the outside box at my Ridgecrest home caught fire. Several family members were home at the time, including our severely handicapped son.

The fire department, sheriff’s office and utility workers were there quickly and were able to save our home from what could have been.

However the damage that did occur was costly. Being between paydays and facing having no electricity, the purchase of a new meter box and other repairs — well, I knew it would be a challenge.

Without hesitation, people from the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office and Correctional Facility — where I work — were there to help my family and I. Personnel there gave from their own pockets and Warden Russell Butler, Jonnie Hendricks and David Hedrick responded with unbelievable kindness.

God was on our side. We were extremely fortunate that our home was saved.

And we are very grateful for the kindness and generosity of our friends and “family” at the CPSO and correctional facility. We will always remember.

Donald White

Ridgecrest resident