Town Topics
7 September 1983
Mailbox
Proud to Live in Princeton.
To the Editor of Town Topics: It is difficult to express the overwhelming gratitude we feel for the outstanding effort of so many friends, neighbors and total strangers who helped put out the fire and comfort residents at 293 Nassau Street last Friday morning. The coordination and efficiency of the Princeton and Lawrence volunteer firemen and women was extraordinary. Their total professionalism and dedication was reassuring and truly heart-warming.
A special thanks to Fire Chief William Rodweller, an exceptional human being, who after a gargantuan task took the time to give advice and helpful suggestions that were very much needed and greatly appreciated, and to George Mertz, assistant executive director of the Princeton Red Cross, who made certain that each and every resident had a place to stay and other essentials for the night and the immediate future. Our grateful thanks to the Princeton Borough Police Department, Building Inspector Bernard Glover, Signal 22 Association and to numerous friends and neighbors who offered all sorts of much appreciated assistance throughout the ordeal.
We are very proud to live in Princeton where people care so much.
BARBARA WALSH
WILLIAM HURLEY
52 Maple Street
Smoke Alarms Needed.
To the Editor of Town Topics:
I think Mr. Woodbridge is quite right in wishing to reassess fire coverage in the Borough. However, I also think that any such study should begin at Square One, with mandatory smoke alarms and fire extinguishers on every floor of every dwelling in the Borough.
While these items would not reduce the number of fires, they would greatly reduce fires that get completely out of hand and demolish an entire house.
Even when house owners are absent, smoke alarms can be heard by neighbors long before actual flames are visible.
My own informal poll on Bank Street, where all the houses are at least 85 years old, indicates that very few houses have a smoke alarm on every floor, and even fewer have fire extinguishers.
Fire insurance rates are lower for suitably equipped houses and the peace of mind is priceless.
Perhaps a tax reduction incentive would inspire reluctant householders to action; after all, they will need the fire department more than their alarm-equipped neighbors, so it stands to reason that they pay higher taxes!
LUCILLE B. GAIGNAULT
32 Bank Street