Versailles fire chief thanks assisting departments, community following inn fire

Dayton Daily News (OH)

Oct. 9--A fire at the Versailles Inn Tuesday night will close both the hotel and restaurant indefinitely as damage is assessed. The village's fire chief took to social media to thank the numerous people involved in battling the fire and offering help to firefighters.

"Great team work and coordinated efforts proved very beneficial in the outcome of the structure fire," Fire Chief Brian Pearson said in a statement on Facebook. "The Downtown area of Versailles is a very intimidating several blocks of buildings and the knowledge, thoughts and ideas that all brought to the table for discussion during operations was appreciated more than I can put on paper."

He thanked the following people in the statement as well:

* "To all responding officers, great work and communication, to all firefighters, hats off strong work and tough work had to dig in and find it, didn't show face well and took a lot of effort to get at the seat. All EMS personnel, thank you for the support and skills to have available if needed."

* "To the citizens of Versailles, thank you for coolers of water, drinks and help provided. It always amazes me how things just show up without being requested. Your generosity does not go unnoticed and unfortunately we are not always able to thank you personally at the time, but please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated."

* "To the Village of Versailles Officials and Employees, a lot of behind the scenes tasks with placing of barricades and road closed signs, disconnecting power supply to building to insure safety of those working the fire ground, monitoring water levels and so on. All coordinated and needed efforts that takes place again without requesting, they make it happen."