Shirley Clark, Manager of Westfield's Comfort Suites, worked along side Westfield's Division Chief and Assistant Fire Marshal, Garry Harling, to create this resident assistance program.  The program is specifically designed to provide a hotel room, free of charge, for one night to an individual or family who has experienced the devastating effects of a fire.  The hotel will work with the residents' insurance company to ensure that housing will be provided. 

"This is a public-private partnership specifically for the good of our community," says Garry Harling.  "It is critical that people who experience a fire tragedy are provided immediate assistance which can help them cope with the sometimes distressing results," says Harling. 

The Westfield Fire Department is currently working with Westfield's other local retailers to arrange another assistance program for local residents.  They hope to get additional assistance programs up and running by year's end.  The Comfort Suites Assistance Program was enacted approximately two months ago and, luckily, has not yet had to be utilized.

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