Letter: Thank you, firefighters, for saving classic wooden yachts

This letter was addressed to Portsmouth Fire Chief Paul Ford.

To the editor:

To say that we are most thankful for the efforts of the Portsmouth, Newport, Middletown, Tiverton, Jamestown, Bristol, Warren, North Kingstown and Naval Fire departments would be an understatement.

We as a company are dedicated to the restoration and preservation of our beloved classic American wooden yachts. Last Friday (Dec. 10), we were all shocked by the news of an accidental fire at the Hinckley Yard in Portsmouth. The proximity of this fire to our buildings and the wooden treasures that we are entrusted to maintain, was far too close for comfort. 

The actions taken by your men and women and those of the surrounding fire departments were monumental and extraordinary! If the fire had been allowed to spread, it would have erased countless years of our yachting and maritime history. I am attaching pictures of the boats that you all helped to save and preserve for future generations.

We at McMillen Yachts are grateful for our special place on the shore of Narragansett Bay, where we are able to ply our trade. We are privileged to have a group of dedicated and talented shipwrights in our employ. These men and women would have lost their livelihoods, if your amazing team did not step up and take action and for this, we are forever grateful. Thank you for all that you do every day by protecting our community.

You are all truly heroes!

Most sincerely,

Earl McMillen III

McMillen Yachts, Inc.

24 Russo Road

Portsmouth