FUNDING FIRST RESPONDERS: Money well-spent

My experience this past Wednesday reinforced my belief that Kootenai Fire, Rescue and Paramedics operate at the highest level of preparedness and efficiency in their response to emergencies that arise.

It was early morning, and a worker contracted to do framing at my home had the unthinkable happen when he accidentally fell 12 feet onto the cement floor in my garage. 911 was immediately summoned, and in less than 10 minutes he was surrounded by emergency personnel, who worked in concert with one another to assess and stabilize this young patient, to then carefully transfer him to the ambulance that awaited at the scene.

This would have NOT OCCURRED in such a smooth and timely manner in my former out-of-state location, as it had all unfolded before my very eyes. These first responders, these men and women, are my heroes. Their training and equipment very much came into play to save this young man’s life.

It is my hope that the next time a bond issue arises or the city council contemplates how to best allocate excess funds, that the citizens of Kootenai County, and specifically those in Coeur d’Alene will stand up to financially support our emergency personnel. Please let us be mindful that the life potentially saved may very well be that of a friend, family member, or even oneself. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

Proud to support our emergency personnel.

JIM NIEWIAROWSKI

Coeur d’Alene