Dear Emergency Personnel,

Recently, I was in a horrific car accident where I totaled my car, another car was totaled and, all together, three people were taken to the hospital. I broke and dislocated my ankle and tore ligaments in it. That day was one of the scariest days of my life. If it wasn't for the paramedics, the firefighters, police officers and the emergency department nurses, CNAs and doctors, I'm certain I would've had a panic attack from the situation.

So, I am here to say thank you. Thank you for the long hours you work four and five days a week. Thank you for putting your lives on the line for people like me. Thank you for holding our hands and giving us comforting words when we need it the most. Most of all, thank you for understanding that in a scary situation like the one I was in, what I needed the most was a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold and a person to just be there for me.

I know you work long shifts -- 12 plus hours at a time -- and I know that you work most of those 12 hours with a full bladder and an empty stomach. I know that your eyes have seen things that I couldn't imagine. I know you've got an aching back and tired feet from working long hours. I know that your jobs are not the easiest in the world and I also know that it takes a special person to work in the field that you do.

For all that you do and all that you sacrifice, I'm here to say thank you.

Thank you for being our shoulder to cry on during these difficult times; thank you for not treating me like a number, but as a friend that you’re helping. Thank you for all that you do for our community. Thank you for being an amazing human being. Above all, thank you for being my hero.

Sincerely,
A thankful citizen.