A few weeks ago, I was in a car accident. Naturally, 911 was called and some of Chesterfield's finest responded to the scene. Three weeks later (to the day), I had a freak accident with a window and had to call 911 again. This is an open thank you letter to all of them.

Dear Chesterfield first responders,

Thank you. I have always had an appreciation for the work you do, but even more so now that I have been on the receiving end of it. A few weeks ago, I was in a car accident during morning rush hour. You responded within minutes with smiling faces, and I think we all breathed sighs of relief when we realized everybody was unharmed. Coming up to a scene with two totaled cars could have gone much differently, but you did not hesitate to do your job. Something else I appreciated that day was how we got to joke around a bit and how you kept me grounded. Although most of you had never met me, you all said you were grateful nobody was hurt, saying, "cars can be replaced, but you cannot."

Last week, I had another freak accident with a window where I broke my finger. Once again, I had to call 911. This time was different. I gave my address to the dispatchers and heard the sirens long before I saw any ambulance. Eventually, a police officer came to my door and he hesitated to walk in before I invited him in. He asked if Mr. ____ was here. I told him no, that they were previous tenants but I purchased the house a few months ago. This officer then told me Mr. ____ threatened to kill the police any time they came, so my address was flagged in their system to always send police to the house whenever 911 was called. How scary is that?

I also want to say a special thank you to the dispatchers. During the second incident with my finger, I was in a different state of shock. When I called 911, I was in pure survival mode - my breathing was short, I could not form full sentences, and I was doing everything I could to stay present. The dispatcher stayed on the line with me until the police arrived, helped me calm down my breathing, and kept the conversation going to make sure I did not pass out.

So this incident got me thinking even more - first responders never know what they are going to walk in to when they get called out. They just have to go and trust they have been trained for whatever they are about to see. Not only that, but they also put their lives in danger because they never know who is going to lash out at their presence.

The bravery you all have is unparalleled. You keep our community safe and never hesitate to do your job. I have a unique appreciation for you now. Keep up the good work.