An Open Thank You To Chesterfield, VA First Responders | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

An Open Thank You To Chesterfield, VA First Responders

The work you do every day saves lives, and we can sometimes be quick to take it for granted.

27
An Open Thank You To Chesterfield, VA First Responders
pexels.com

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

80093
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

8460
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments