Letter: Emergency Responders Deserve Appreciation for Hurricane Efforts
Resident hopes for special day named in honor of efforts.
Letter to the editor as submitted by Eric Hafner, Cove Point Rd, Toms River.
Dear Editor,
As a Homeland Security major at Ocean County College, I know how important a good emergency response is.
After seeing the local response to Hurricane Sandy, I'm pleased to know first hand that our emergency responders here in Toms River Township are effective, well-trained professionals who get the job done; no matter what the circumstance.
I would like to personally extend my appreciation to the Toms River Police Officers manning the Shelter Cove checkpoint on Bay Avenue. These fine officers did a great job securing the neighborhood and providing courteous, efficient service to myself and other local residents needing to access the area.
I would also like to call on the Township Council to declare a "Hurricane Sandy First Responder's Day" in Toms River to provide a proper thank you to all the professionals and volunteers who have spent many sleepless nights assisting in the on-going relief efforts.
This has been a storm that as a community, we will always remember. Once things are back to normal, we owe it to the first responders to give them a party they will never forget.
RayneL
12:46 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
A great letter, but I think it should have included all. Toms River responders were not the only ones responding after Hurricane Sandy. There are those that have worked countless hours a day just to make it safer.
Arlene
1:19 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Totally agree..and lets not forget to give praise and thanks to the out of state power companies who came to our aid..in particular the crew from Alabama was fantastic in my area..although we were without power for 6 days, when they got to our street they really hustled..God bless them all!
john derigo
8:58 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I do respect first responders and the work they do. A bigger thanks should go to the hundreds of volunteers that have sacraficed thier jobs and have lost wages. Remember that the cops are doing their jobs and are getting paid VERY WELL.
Simon Larano
3:21 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thank you for this letter. Too many examples of ungrateful, selfish responses that can be seen firsthand through the responses posted on the Patch Comments portion, it's unfortunate.
Suzanne
7:42 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Hip hip Horray! Thank you!!!
Ernest Farley
9:01 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
It should be noted that many, many of the Police and Volunteer FireFighter and EMS personnel lost homes, cars and property during the storm, yet remained at their posts to protect the citizens. Silverton Fire Company and Silverton First Aid Squad members lost over thirty homes...true selfless hero's. A day in their honor would be nice, but we must also all remember these times and their dedication when we get the donation request letters in the mail next year for the Squads and Fire Companies. Only through the support of the citizens can the continue to provide services to the town.
charlotte
5:41 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012
The first responders have done outstanding work - our respect and appreciation to their dedication and professionalism.
lisa
8:43 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2013
I personally Agree with the First Responders Day to all! After all I was stupid enough to stay from the advice of my landlord with two children and they came to rescue us with a kayak! The firechief took me to my sisters house and ensured our safety!