Dear Chief Henry:

This letter is to express my profound appreciation for the dignified and professional manner in which members of your department recently handled a matter at 43 East Ninth Street in Howell. The date was December 17, 2007.

My dear friend and neighbor, Samuel Hernando, recently passed away. Samuel's son-in-law and I discovered his body after going to Samuel's house to see if he was alright. He had not returned calls to either of us for several days and we were concerned.

When we arrived, it was immediately evident that Samuel had died. We called the police at once and they dispatched officer Eric Dobbs to the site. He was followed shortly thereafter by detective Contesco. Officers Dobbs and Contesco immediately took charge. They secured the site, obtained detailed information from those present, and handled the matter with confidence and professionalism. They explained that the Medical Examiner's office and Prosecutor's office had to be contacted right away; explained that Samuel's doctor may in fact sign the death certificate eliminating the need for the Medical Examiner; described what information we needed for the funeral home; and they described the situation to the funeral home representative when we called. Both officers calmly and patiently addressed the many questions I and several family members had for them, and they made a very difficult situation more bearable for everybody.

In short, the officers handled the situation with poise and dignity and were a comfort to all present. I commend them for their good work, and wish you and your department all the best.