Dear President Bickey:

On Saturday, December 16, 2006 my Department was in charge of a funeral procession for Sgt. Nicholas Gibbs. Sgt. Gibbs was killed in action in Iraq on December 6, 2006. As part of the planning for this event, on December 15, 2006, a member of my Department contacted your foreman, Carlos Pruna and asked for assistance when the procession would come through the area where Mr. Pruna’s crew was working. My deputy requested Mr. Pruna’s help in making sure the road was clear of obstructions for the passing of the funeral procession. Mr. Pruna agreed to help without any hesitation. On the day of the procession my deputy contacted Mr. Pruna and told him of the pending arrival of the procession. Mr. Pruna agreed to notify his crew, and a nearby crew, of the procession and to get them to clear the highway to allow the procession to proceed without delay. As our procession came by, several of your crew, including Mr. Pruna, were seen removing their hardhats and placing them over their hearts in respect for the deceased soldier. Not only were my personnel impressed but so were the family of the deceased. This is the kind of respect this soldier deserved. He was a true hero and their honor to him was outstanding!

Please convey to the crew my grateful thanks for their help on this occasion. Mr. Pruna and his crew were fantastic examples of good citizens showing their respect for one who died for his country.

Respectfully,
B. J. Barnes, Sheriff
Office of Guilford County Sheriff’s Department