Firemen thanked

On the evening of July 17, firemen's services were held at the Birmingham funeral home in Wharton for my husband, Ray Mathews. Ray had been associated with fire departments lifelong. He served in Wharton, Cranberry Lake (now Byram Township) and sussex. Ray also was the founder and coordinator of National Parade Judges Association for over 30 years. When Ray died, family and friends tried to reach out to as many fire departments, rescue squads and music groups as possible. We, as his family, were so blessed when many wonderful men and women came to the funeral home dressed in full uniform to pay respects to Ray. Unfortunately, due to a mix-up, no one wrote down the names of the various fire departments in attendance so we are unable to thank them personally. We are hoping by way of this letter, to reach out ot as many individuals and their fire departments as possible, to express our deepest and most sincere "thank you" for supporting us as Ray's family and honoring Ray himself. Please, if anyone reading this is one of those in attendance or knows of an individual or fire department in attendance, show them this letter. Should anyone wish, please feel free to contact us directly at the address below, as we would so very much like to hear from you.

We, as citizens of the various communities we live in, expect if there is an emergency and fire apparatus and manpower are needed, a simple phone call will bring assistance. The men and women who voluteer their time and talent to aid when needed are wonderful, but to give additionally by coming by coming out on a Friday evening to pay tribute to a fallen comrade and support their family, shows how deep the ties that bind these amazing individuals together in time of sorrow really goes.

May God abundantly bless and protect each of you and everyone who volunteers selflessly to aid in the assistance of others.

Sharon Mathews and Family
63 Neepaulin Drive

Sussex, NJ 07461