On March 22, I had the privilege of attending the Sussex County Phoenix Club ceremony. The ceremony annually honors those first responders who have participated in a cardiac arrest lifesaving event in the previous year.
As one of the rare survivors of a cardiac arrest May 6, 2023, I was given the distinct honor of telling my story of how, after I collapsed on my driveway preparing for a yard sale, my son jumped into action and called 911. With the help of a very dedicated 911 dispatcher, he was able to perform livesaving CPR until the emergency services folks arrived.
What a wonderful blessing it was to be at the ceremony to finally meet and personally thank each of the EMS members that literally saved my life that fateful day. By attending the event, I was given the opportunity to understand the enormity of the services that all of the paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, state troopers and, last but not least, 911 dispatchers provide to us regular folks living in Sussex County. They are the epitome of true unsung heroes. I enjoyed meeting so many of these heroes along with some of my fellow survivors. It was an emotional night for my family and me, but we are so glad we were able to attend, and it was an evening we will never forget.
Thank you again for your dedicated service and heroism. I ask everyone reading this, next time you see one of these angels in blue in your local Wawa or Royal Farms, please thank them for their service. I know I will!
God bless!
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.
