West Penn Township’s police department, and one officer in particular, have been lauded for their swift action in minimizing the damage to an area business that caught fire last year.

In a letter addressed to the township’s police department dated April 13, Jane Perkins explained that last year, not long after she and her husband purchased Tamaqua Truck and Trailer, she was in the hospital with COVID.

“My husband received a phone call that there was a fire at our ‘new’ manufacturing plant,” Perkins said. “We live an hour away, so he was not able to be right on hand, but one policeman, in particular, took great care to research and find my husband’s phone number.”

Perkins said that “together with the fire department, things were quickly under control with little damage.”

“It was months before I was back on my feet and one thing after another, I did not bring this to you,” she said. “I wanted to bring this letter in person and introduce myself, but best laid plans do not always happen in my world.”

Board Chairman Tony Prudenti praised those involved, including officer John Kaczmarczyk, whom Perkins alluded to in her letter though not by name.

“Kudos to the police department, and to him,” Prudenti said.