January 12, 2008
Saturday AM

With all the tragedy that has befallen Ketchikan recently, I think a small group of people is consistently overlooked when it comes to "back patting" or "thank you's". This group consists for those civilian individuals who choose to get involved by calling 911 and assisting the victims in the earliest moments of an emergency. These individuals include family members, passerbys, or complete strangers just wanting to help. They are often victims of the collateral damage that the incident produced and left out when it comes to information sharing. It is time to at least acknowledge their contributions.

I have tried to convey the appreciation of the North Tongass Volunteer Fire Department's personnel whenever I am on scene and have asked that NTVFD personnel do so in my absence. I am writing this to express my appreciation publicly to those countless, nameless individuals who have helped out in the past but never formally recognized. They are the true first responders, just before the dispatcher who answers the call for help and directs units to respond.

So please, everyone who have helped out recently and in the past please accept the thanks from one Fire Chief who understands how it feels to wait an hour for help to arrive when it really only takes a few minutes. My thanks can never be enough, but know you are remembered.

David Hull
Ketchikan, AK

Received January 10, 2008 - Published January 12, 2008

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