Is there a first responder you would like to thank?
ALL WHO SERVE
In the small rural town of Towner, with a population less than 1,000, it is difficult to give gratitude to one of our first responders, when all first responders are voluntarily serving for our human welfare.
All our first responders are excellent ambulance drivers and caregivers. I would like to share gratitude to one couple, Bruce and Linda Fairbrother, who dedicated their service to our community for many years as first responders.
Their service has been most caring during a recent ambulance call. I had the attention of Bruce Fairbrother and Helen Kuntz. Their knowledge, attention and care was appreciated by me and my family. A big thank you to all first responders for their service.
June Dokken
Verendrye Electric Cooperative
ALMONT IS BLESSED
The motto, “First in, last out,” is that of a first responder. In Almont, Frank and Jane Melchior come to mind when I think of outstanding people who deserve special recognition and honor as first responders.
They go out of their way to always make things better by their grace and absolute dedication in serving our community. When they moved to Almont, it was truly a blessing from God.
Bonnie Ritz and Herb Brington
Formerly of Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative
HOMEMADE MEALS
In 2016, I met our neighbor and first responder, Tracy Stangeland. She came to help me when I was very ill. In 2019, we had another need for emergency services. Fortunately, I have not had to call 911 recently, but that does not change my opinion of Tracy.
Tracy did what she was trained to do to help us both times. However, she went past that by bringing my husband a homemade meal when I was at the hospital and he was alone at our farm. I am grateful to have a competent first responder a few miles away, but I am also appreciative of a neighbor who is kind enough to reach out in a way that goes beyond her job or training.
Lona Lutz
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
ESPECIALLY MARY
The accident happened in 2007. We live in rural Gardner. My daughter and I were home, but from our yard, we could see my husband, her dad, in the south ditch mowing the grass.
We didn’t see him for a short time, so we drove down and found him under his tractor. We called 911 at once. First, the sheriff got there, and quickly after that, the volunteer rescue and ambulance came.
As those wonderful people were rescuing my husband, this volunteer, Mary (I never did learn her last name), was going from the road to where they had my family and I stay. Mary would run up and down the ditch to keep us informed about how our loved one was doing, and even after we got to the hospital, she kept us informed about what they were doing for our loved one.
Thank you to all the volunteers, especially Mary.
John and Peg Nyberg
Cass County Electric Cooperative
HERE WHEN NEEDED
What would we do in rural North Dakota without our local first responders, the dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time, talents and training when a call comes.
Whether it’s the ambulance crew or the local fire station, I have the highest regard and appreciation for their dedication to service in their community.
Unfortunately, some of us have had to call upon them more times than we wish to remember, but having these services nearby can mean the difference between life and death in that “golden hour.”
Years ago, my 3 year old was choking on a handful of Life Savers he had shoved in his mouth. I knew the Heimlich procedure, but it wasn’t working, so as he was turning blue, I ran to the phone to call my neighbor, whom I knew was on the ambulance crew. She was 4 miles away and was here in a flash. Just as she bolted through the door, my last ditch effort at dislodging the candies worked, and we were both so relieved. I was so thankful I had someone to call.
When I was hit by a semi from behind on a highway that was suddenly overcome by dark smoke from a fire, I was amazed to be alive, as I sat down in the ditch after escaping my vehicle. Moments later, a white car came driving toward me, and it was a first responder from the nearby small town, who must have heard a call of distress. She came dashing over to me as I was now lying down in the grass. Looking up into her face above me, I realized I knew her. What a comfort that was in that moment, for I knew I was now in good hands. She contacted my husband and the ambulance was on its way. I made sure to write her a thank you note once I was home recuperating to let her know how much she was appreciated.
We must always remember to support and thank our first responders, help with fundraising and give back what we can.
Many of the dedicated volunteers have been serving their communities for many years, and I am encouraged to see when the younger generation takes on this most important challenge to service.
Kaylen Morast
McKenzie Electric Cooperative
UPCOMING READER REPLY QUESTION:
OCTOBER: As we observe World Mental Health Day in October, share what you do to maintain your best mental health.
Deadline for submission: Sept. 11
November: Tell us about a veteran who you admire.
Deadline for submission: Oct. 12
We want to hear FROM you: Submissions should be no more than 250 words, typewritten or in legible handwriting. Include your name, complete address, daytime phone number and name of your electric cooperative. Note: Magazine staff reserves the right to make editing changes and cuts. We pay $25 for each letter we print. Email to ndliving@ndarec.com or mail to READER REPLY, North Dakota Living, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727
