I am writing to thank a lot of people who helped us in a time of great tragedy for our family. Our son, Dep. James Tutino, Sr., was killed in the Metrolink crash in Glendale on Jan. 26. The outpouring of comfort and help was a great blessing to us.

Special thanks and recognition to Glendale Police Chief Randy Adams and his officers and staff, Sheriff Baca and the entire Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff’s Department and its staff, Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks and all of his deputies and staff, and the Simi Valley Police Department as well.

Others who deserve our appreciation: St. Maximilian Kolbe Church; Simi Valley High School football team, coaches and staff; Kinkos; Paul’s Italian Villa; Burger King; and a huge bouquet of roses to Simi Valley Covenant Church for all the food, sharing, caring and general hand-holding. We never would have made it through this terrible ordeal without these people and many more of our friends and strangers who were helpful and kind in big, small and loving ways.

We have established a college scholarship fund called the James Tutino Memorial Scholarship Fund to help high school seniors in need. If you wish to contribute, the address is: James Tutino Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 416, Simi Valley, CA 93062.

Thanks to all.

Maureen and Don Tutino

Vista, Calif.