Tuesday’s Kernersville Board of Aldermen meeting began with a special address from David Fitzpatrick, whose downtown eatery Fitz on Main was seriously damaged by a blaze last week.
He began his remarks by sharing memories from throughout his decades in Kernersville and the many locals who had made an impact in his life and worked together to build the town into what it is today.
“That’s the town we live in,” Fitzpatrick said. “You never know, because in the blink of an eye, things change. My remarks are about what happened in the wee hours of Thursday, May 30, when my life certainly changed. And I want to express my appreciation.”
He said Kernersville residents “are blessed to live in a community where folks reach out and touch your heart and make a difference.”
Although Fitz on Main sustained extensive damage, he said the situation would have been much worse without the rapid response of emergency personnel.
“[Kernersville Fire Department] Chief [Scott] Alderman and his men did an incredible job,” Fitzpatrick said. “It could have had fatalities. We could have lost half a city block. The quick response from the fire department made the difference.”
The outpouring of local support only multiplied in the hours after the tragedy.
“The next day, with the ashes and the wood smoldering, that’s when you feel like you’re George Bailey from ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’” he continued. “Sometimes when the chips are down, you don’t realize the friends you have. Well, I feel it and I’m expressing my gratitude.”
Fitzpatrick went on to thank the police chief and town manager, among other local leaders, for offering their support in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
“This town is about community,” he said. “I’ve lived it and now I’m experiencing the other side — and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
A group of volunteers, including members of the Chamber of Commerce, soon arrived on the scene without being asked to pitch in and help clean up the mess.
“The next day … there’s a platoon of volunteers in the back lot at Fitz on Main,” Fitzpatrick said. “I didn’t call anybody for help, but Commander [David] Long from the VFW and the gentlemen and ladies that came in, I thank you. I know now why my dad loved going to the VFW. There’s a band of brothers that exists that I never knew was that strong.”
Although he said he was still waiting for information from the insurance adjuster, the grateful owner concluded: “I haven’t waited for anybody in this town.”
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