Community Service

Serviceman and His Family Helped Out with Boiler Replacement
Warwick, RI October 31, 2006

Thomas and Patricia Burdick of 25 George Arden Ave have had a rough time in the past few years. Tom has been deployed as a member of the 43rd Army National Guard Military Police Brigade for the past year to Iraq, returning home just a few weeks ago. He'd previously been in Japan, a month in Germany and a previous 15 month deployment to Iraq. For Pat his wife, life has been hard especially having 7 year old triplets. A boy and two girls who are happy to have their Dad home for the past few weeks. When home Tom works at D & d Electric.

Needless to say it has been very difficult for Pat to take care of the family and the home. Taking care of the yard, simple home maintenance and just dealing with everyday needs has been quite a lot to bear. Not living in military housing Pat is not entitled to the services that would be available to her in that type of housing. No one to fix the stove or take care of the yard, it's all up to Pat. She's had to rely upon friends and family when they are available. Unfortunately in the past few years Pat and Tom have lost several family members who were part of their support system, thus making a difficult situation worse.

Friends have offered help but sometimes that doesn't always work out, not everyone can fit three car seats in their vehicle. So when Bill Riley from William J. Riley Plbg & Htg a neighbor got the call from Tom about a problem with his boiler he went to check it out. The boiler was in rough shape, it was time to replace the boiler.

Having been away for that amount of time had definitely put a strain on the family finances. Bill spoke with a local supply house, F.W. Webb and then Peerless a boiler manufacturer to see if they would be able to help out. Fortunately some very generous persons got involved. Charlie Bursey and Peter Kelleher from F.W. Webb who then contacted Gerry Hogan the local manufacturer's representative from Peerless boilers who in turn contacted the Regional Manager Peter Gonsalves of Peerless boilers and got the approval to provide a boiler.

William J. Riley Plbg & Htg installed the boiler for free and the RI Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors will make a contribution to cover the cost of the remaining materials. Even the city helped out. Bill Riley was getting the permit and he happened to run into the inspector and once he heard the story he waived the permit fee. So it's been a combined effort to help out this family and ensure they will have a warm winter season.

Riley Plumbing Helps out
Apponaug Babe Ruth Baseball League
after Fire

William J. Riley Plbg & Htg Co., Inc donated the material and labor to rework the plumbing in the snack bar after a fire in the Fall of 2005. Vandals had lit at fire in the back of the building and fortunately a solder joint melted on a water pipe and doused the fire which only caused minimal damage to the kitchen area. Riley Plumbing reworked the lines and sink location and hooked up a dishwasher. A greatly appreciated idea, no one likes to clean those messy fryolator baskets each night. We are happy to sponsor a team each year and look for our large sign in centerfield on the major league field. Play Ball!!

William J. Riley Plumbing & heating Co.,Inc sponsors the Pee Wee B team for the 06-07 team. Youth Hockey a great way for kids to learn to stand on their own two feet!