Using this letter develop a commendation response for Ms. January

Using this letter develop a commendation response for Ms. January  

Good afternoon,

I am writing to make sure a Big Thanks is conveyed for outstanding service by Ms. January, whom we have been working with to trim a tree that had grown around a WAPA pole, transformer, and wires (medallion #2-043-490) on Church Street in Christiansted, VI. 

We know WAPA receives a lot of criticism, and few are probably as good about delivering appreciation when it is due, but I want to make sure Ms. January gets our heartfelt gratitude and a commendation for working diligently to get the job done, amidst many demands and resource restrictions.

A large tree had been growing around the pole since before Irma/Maria and we had called and emailed to request a trim several times over the years.  Unfortunately for us, the tree was not trimmed and the transformer exploded in November 2021 in a storm.  As a result,  the electrical panels in our 8-unit community were damaged and required replacement – at a cost of about $9000, including the $1000 we had to pay to have WAPA disconnect the current while the electricians were working.   Most of the 12 residents in our small community were without full power for months while we tried to find  new panels and other materials and electricians who could do the work.

I connected with Ms. January earlier this year to inform her of the increasing danger of the situation and again requested a trim.  I and several neighbors were in touch again this month after arcing between the tree and wires was reported, as the situation was becoming quite dangerous.   Thanks to Ms. January’s quick and persistent response, the WAPA crew was dispatched on Sunday (10/30) and decimated the tree.   We are a close-knit group of neighbors and will do our best to keep the tree trimmed moving forward, so we don’t end up with a dangerous situation again.

Thank you to the WAPA team for the peace of mind that you have provided – a little Miracle on Church Street brought to us in time for the holidays by Ms. January.

On behalf of the residents at the Coff House (1 Hill St), 2 Hill Street, Church Street (including the Kirkegade condominiums and the Caribbean Dance School), and others that would have been affected by another blow out, I send our deepest gratitude.

Early best wishes for a happy holidays,