Letter to the editor: Emergency responders, hospital were great in crisis

Talk about it

On behalf of the Bismarck United Church of Christ, I would like to express public appreciation to Jamestown’s police department, fire department and hospital. Nine youth and one adult from our congregation were among those exposed to carbon monoxide last Friday morning while attending a youth rally. Thanks to the quick action and professional service provided by Jamestown’s public safety and medical communities, tragedy was averted.

Upon being notified of the unfortunate event, I and others from our church immediately left for Jamestown. Arriving at the hospital, we witnessed the staff’s exemplary competence and compassion. The children and youth rally leaders were well cared for, and communication with parents was timely and reassuring.

The professional manner displayed by Jamestown’s public safety and health officials suppressed any sense of panic. Many of the kids have since spoken to me about their rescue by the police and fire departments; some were quite excited about having ridden on fire trucks!

Clearly, the kind of excellence experienced by our youth and their chaperones does not come without the support of the whole community. Thank you, Jamestown, for giving your police and fire departments and the hospital the resources they needed in order to serve our children.

The Rev. James Moos

Bismarck

(Moos is senior pastor, Bismarck United Church of Christ)

Tags: carbon monoxide, opinion, letters, emergency, hospital, police, jamestown