International Association of fire Chiefs
Chief Randy R. Bruegman
President 2002-03
Clackamas County Fire District # 1
11300 SE Fuller Rd
Milwaukie OR 9722
January 14 2003
Dear Frank
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the poster that I just received. Again, what a great piece of work. The title, "Lest We Forget," is very appropriate and very moving. Thank you, again for your consideration.
Also, thank you for the great personal print that you did on behalf of my Board of Directors. They presented it to me the night that I was installed as president of the International Association of fire Chiefs. The print is reflective of your talent and it is a much cherished piece of art work. I appreciate you doing that.
Take care. I look forward to seeing you in the future.
Sincerely
Chief Randy R. Bruegman
President 2002-03
Mr. Smardo
I would like to thank you for the wonderful job you done on the portraits of my sons & husband. They are just wonderful & I will Treasure them for the rest of my life. Everyone just loves them. Take care of yourself & good luck in the future.
Regards
Betty Jones
"For the hearts you touched & thank you!"
Dr. Bradley Bosick
Denver CO
Dear
Frank,
It's so hard to put in words how much we like the portrait of Debbie and
her
dog, Toby.
Wow! you are so-good at your profession. I have to keep reminding myself that
the portrait is an actual drawing - starting with an empty canvas - not a photograph
- the likeness is unreal, Frank. I can't believe that you can actually put her
pesonality on that canvas - I can feel it. She looks so real I feel like I could
walk up to it and put my arm around a "real-live girl"
Thank you so very much for sharing your talent with us.
We wish you success in all your future shows. Of course Debbie would feel honored
if you entered the piece you did of her.
Sincerely,
Ron & Elizabeth & Debbie
Penthouse Suites
At Remington Park
Dear Frank
Thank you so very much for the mailing that you sent to me. Wow, I knew you were good, but now I feel honored to have some of your pieces!
You must feel great about the awards given to by your peers and the commissions you have received from the various organizations. I had no idea that you are represented in so many states and countries.
I want to figure out a way to combine all three articles and display them next to your exhibit here. My experience is that people love to read about an artist and often times that will help swing a purchase.
Thanks and congratulations!
Duff Jack
Frank
I have shown everyone the picture, and has gotten rave reviews. I finally saw Katheryne R's portrait today. All I can say is Wow!! What a great job. Its looks so realistic. They are so pleased with your work. I still think about it. It has such an effect on you. Its makes me want to get another one. I am thinking about me and my dogs - How about that? Well must go.
Thanks again
Karen Sabol
Plano TX
Frank
The drawing was terrific and oscar really does like it!!! He said that was the best father's day present he has ever received, it really meant alot to him! Thank you for the rush!
Evelyn Ponder
TX
April 4,2000
Dear Mr. Frank Smardo
Thank you for personally attending our fundraiser and for your gift-in-kind donation. which brought in $325 to the Mr. 4-state Bachelor and Handyman auction. Your donation helped make our fundrasing event complete. Thank you so much for thinking of the children at the turnaround ranch, your kindness is appreciated.
Your support is a source of encouragement to all of us out here at the Turnaround Ranch who work to make life a little easier for the children at the ranch.
Again, on behalf of the many children who will benefit from your thoughtfulness, may we sincerely say Thank you for your generous donation to an extremely worthy cause.
sincerely
Dr. Wayne Paul Ph.D
Director of Turnaround Ranch
Joplin MO 64803
11-7-98
Dear Sir,
My best friend is a firefighter (Career 2 years,Volunteer 20 years) in montville, CT. He brought your work home, and of course, I have to order it. It is exceptional.
Please send me one print ($45) C.O.D to the address below. The phone number is included, should there be a problem.
Thank you so much.
Sincerely
Fiona Morgan O'brien
Mr. Smardo
The picture arrived the day before dad did. We all loved it. You did a great job. Thank you for making the extra effort (and I am sure you did) to get it ready in a short time
Peggy Martin
The Ribar Touch
Plano TX
January 8 1996
Dear Frank
Thanks for your patience and for working with me the way you have; for me to procure something very dear to me. thanks for the beautiful work you do and for "Lacy/Tapioca".
Thanks again and see you later.
Kevin
7/5/96
Frank,
Paul and I want to thank you for the picture. We are very pleased with it. Paul took it to the work and everyone loved it. I would have to say paul is very proud of it. You have out done yourself again. I can hardly wait to see what mine will look like.
Thanks again for your beautiful work.
Lisa & Paul
Irving TX
Girard Fire Rescue
Oct 11, 1999
Frank Smardo
America's Firefighter Artist
Frank,
I am so proud that you were able to attend the 12th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Services on sunday, Oct. 10, 1999.
Your artistry definitely put a spark in the eye of the receivers. I also donated one of the other prints that you had given to me to the Parsons Fire Department for them to display in their station. I felt it only appropriate, as I said in my speech, often the firefighters that these gentlemen serve with are not often recognized as family. I know they will display at one of their stations with due honor.
Again, thank you, I hope to see you at our 13th Annual Memorial Services next October.
Sincerely
Ronald E. Scales
Fire Chief
Dear Frank
Let me tell you how much I appreciate your coming to our banquet and what a pleasure it was to finally meet you. Your presence made our event so special. Thanks for the T-shirts for the boys! and I will always treasure my signed print!
Thanks again frank!
Janet Hipps
City of Dallas
March 24, 2000
Dear Mr. Smardo,
Thank you for your support and participation in the 2000 Dallas Fire Deparment Awards Banquet. Your donation of 2 Limited Edition Framed prints and the unframed prints are extremely generous and greatly appreciated by the Awards Banquet Committee.
The 2000 Annual Awards Banquet will be held in the great hall of the international apparel mart, 2300 N Stemmons Freeway, on friday, may 12, 2000. The hospitality area will open at 5:30 pm with dinner at 7:00 pm and the awards ceremonies at 8:00 pm. You are invited to join us for dinner and the awards program.
We are looking forward to seeing your work displayed in one of our lobby booths this year. Our 8x10 booths are located in the same area as last year.
Sincerely
Trixie G. Lohrke
DFD Banquet Director
Frank,
I love your work & I'm sure I'll be happy with the pictures.
Thank you
Christen Beck
January 22, 1992
Dear Frank,
Finally, I am writing to you say Thanks for a beautiful piece of work you did. I couldn't be more pleased with the results and the artistic layout you did in portraying Volly's career with the fire department. He is still amazed that you can do this.You have amazing talent and skill. I am glad we did it and your time with the picture. No words can describe my satisfaction. He loves it - "best gift ever he says"
Keep up your beautiful work!
Sincerely
Frieda K Stephens
Thanks again Frank
I received the print this AM. I will be in touch Re: portrait of my firefighter husband!
A. Dennis
Frank
Your work has been seen by the chief of police in irving and he is very impressed by your work. I was wondering if it was ok to give your name out and the price we paid for the work.
I know of two cops now that would love to have one done. I didn't know if you wanted to do any more police officers.
Again thanks! We love Pauls Picture! It looks great on my wall, now I just need mine done.
Lisa Cerami
Frank
The drawing of the dogs is absolutely wonderful! We have it hung over the sofa and it looks terrific. Buddy even had to stare at it - I am not sure what he saw but he did notice it. we are going to show it off and pass out flyers.
Phil & Natalie
Dear Sir,
I would like to thank you for the beautiful portrait of my husband.
I appreciate your kindness.
Gene Hensley
Sioux Falls Fire Chaplain
Sioux Falls SD 57103
Mr. Smardo
Thank you for the latest mailing and I thought I would order a print from it. I have gotten many compliments on the one i ordered before - "Firefighters Love"
Fr. Frank McNeil
Frank
The portrait is just beautiful. We have had more compliments on it that everyone is just in awe...we will have for the rest of our lives. we will thank of you often.
Love
Rhonda & Tom
Sept. 2000
Frank,
Thank you so much for your generous donation of 4 firefighter prints for the metro chief's dinner. I had the prints framed so they were an exceptional addition to the raffle gifts.
Thanks again for helping make the metro chief's dinner a great sucess.
Sincerely,
Trixie G Lohrke
Dear Frank
On behalf of the city of pittsburg, I would like to thank you for your generous donation of the print in honor of the dedication of fire station no:3. The print is a very fitting reminder of the sacrifice William Scott Sr. made in the line of duty.
We appreciate your thoughtfulness and assure you the print will be treasured for years to came.
Sincerely
Christine Meyer
KS