I would be remiss if I, a 91-year-old refugee from the 20 Chapel Place fire on Wednesday evening, Jan. 16, did not comment on the actions and performance of the police and fire departments in our time of need.
All residents were evacuated from our co-op due to excessive smoke coming from an unoccupied 3rd floor apartment just renovated at about 8:30 on a extremely cold night and offered a warm and comfortable place to stay across the street in the lobby of a co-op at 21 Chapel Place, where residents offered us bathroom facilities, water, cookies and kindness.
The compassion, information and warmth offered by frequent updates by both the chief officers of the fire and police departments showed their caring and professionalism, and after 3 1/2 hours, we learned about the damage to the building.
Most residents from the south side of the building were allowed back at about 1 a.m. with an appropriate police escort. Some of us, from the north side, had to find places to stay the night because of possible danger.
This is where the Red Cross demonstrated their warmth and skill in arranging alternate housing at local hotels. The officer who accompanied me made me feel special and comforted at 2 a.m. in the morning. I was overwhelmed when he called me the next night to see how I had fared.
I’m in awe of the dedication and professionalism shown as Great Neck continues to be a community of care and responsibility where neighbors can count on neighbors and the strong municipal forces that protect us.
Alyce Drabkin
Great Neck Plaza
