Recently, on Labor Day Monday, my wife woke me up from an afternoon nap to tell me that two of our neighbors in Milton told her that a large branch in a tree in our front yard had partially cracked and was about to crash into Chestnut Street.
Obviously, this news got my attention and I went outside to observe that a 30-foot long, 9-inch diameter limb was already severed by two-thirds. I asked her to call the Milton Police so they could bring me some orange traffic cones to block off the threatened travel lane. Instead, she called Mayor John Collier, who came right over even though it was Labor Day Monday.
I was (naively) prepared to cut it down myself and had my ladder and small chainsaw at the ready. Mayor Collier showed up and immediately took charge. He saw the potential public safety threat and called the chief of Milton Police, Derrick Harvey, and Kristy Rogers, the town manager. The chief arrived with big orange barrels to block the lane, and Kristy called the Public Works Department. In the meantime, the mayor and I witnessed the branch crash into the street minus any cars or pedestrians, thankfully!
Mayor Collier stayed and helped for two hours. Daniel Donaway, the public works maintenance supervisor, showed up with a far superior chainsaw. Milton Police Sgt. Casey Lewis arrived. All of us worked to cut up the branch and carry the heavy pieces out of the street.
I am indebted to all of them. They took time out of their holiday to help me when I really needed it. It was above and beyond the call of duty! Thank you so much!
P.S: I have free firewood for whoever wants any!
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