Maybe we should listen to Juliet....

As Shakespeare once wrote, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

If wild Bill lived in Buffalo Grove, he may have written, "What's in an address? That which we call Buffalo Grove By any other name would smell as sweet."

Don’t believe me? Ask Matt Rapaport.

Buffalo Grove Chief Terry Vavra and resident Matt Rapaport
present accommodations to members of the
 Buffalo Grove and Long Grove
fire departments.

Rapaport is a Buffalo Grove resident whose wife found him passed out on the bathroom floor and then called paramedics – which arrived from Long Grove and Buffalo Grove.  Rapaport, who lives in the single family homes in The Crossings subdivision, is closer to the Long Grove Fire Deportment then the nearest Buffalo Grove fire station.

Doesn’t matter.

Units from both departments responded and, quite simply, revived Rapaport.

Rapaport told his story at the June 4 Village Board meeting where Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Terry Vavra cited the efforts of the Buffalo Grove and Long Grove crews that responded.

So what?

As the village people like to cite the services offered to residents, Vavra presented accommodations to crews that did more than offered – the delivered.

Yes, I know I’m “late” with citing these efforts, but this is a stunning example of better late than never.

Buffalo Grove entities – school districts, park districts and the beloved United State Postal Service – are served by several addresses.  That does not matter, however.

In fire and police circles, it’s called mutual aid.  What it really is, is mutual support.

All you had to do is listen Vavra and, with all due respect to Vavra, more importantly Rapaport.  His story is amazing and represents how working together can make a difference.

The village provides outstanding services – but like everything  -- a little support can make a difference.  The efforts of the Long Grove and Buffalo Grove fire departments represent the forms of collaboration.

A puff piece? Yeah, maybe.

But then again, maybe not.  All you have to do is ask Vavra.

Cooperation can go a long way and make a big difference.

All you have to do is ask Rapaport.