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Thanks

Editor's note: This letter was written to the Miner and Sikeston police and fire departments by Kingston Arthur. The following letters are responses from the recipients.

To the members of the Miner Police Department, Miner Volunteer Fire Department and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

Hi! My name is Kingston Arthur. I am nine years old.

I have always understood that your jobs were to save lives and homes or buildings. However, the day that the airplanes flew into the towers in New York and the building in Washington, I realized that you risk your lives to save the lives of others. I never realized how dangerous your job was until then.

My Mom helped my sister, Alexis, who is six years old, and I to make these American hearts for you so that you can carry them in your pocket. That way, every time you reach into your pocket and feel the heart, you will be reminded that we pray for you every day and that we are thankful for you and the job you do.

God bless you,

Kingston Arthur

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Dear Kingston:

My name is Randy Baker. I'm the fire chief for the Miner Fire Department. When we received your letter and wooden heart, myself and the rest of the firemen were touched and very proud to accept what you and Alexis had made for us. We will keep this forever as a reminder of you and your family for thinking of us and all the firefighters around the world.

The fire department tries to teach fire safety to as many young people we can. And that's what makes this extra special because it comes from you, Alexis and young people like yourselves. Some of the firemen have decided to hang your letter and heart on the wall with our other firefighting certificates. That way, everyone who comes to our home will see what a great gift you and Alexis have given us.

Sincerely,

Randy Baker, chief,

Miner Fire Department

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Dear Kingston,

On behalf of the officers of the Miner Police Department, we would like to thank you and your sister, Alexis, for the wooden hearts that you made for us. Our hearts were touched and we are proud to accept these and will forever remember the kindness that you and your family displayed in this generous act of recognition to us, as well as that given to the Miner Fire Department.

We are grateful to you, your sister as well as the rest of your family for taking the time to remind us that you do care and appreciate the jobs that we do each and every day.

Thank you once again for remembering us and know that we will carry our American hearts with us and always remember the kindness of the two young people who took the time to say "Thank you, we appreciate you."

Sincerely, Miner Police Department

#522 Griggs, #523 Armstrong, #524 Holman, #525 Moody, #527, Massey, #528 Moore and #529 Green