Letter to the Editor

October 12, 2002

I would like to thank the dedicated members of the New Haven Fire Department, who act as first responders to 911 calls, officers of the New Haven Police Department, who provide exemplary professional assistance, and the highly trained and thoughtful individuals from American Medical Response.

After many years with kidney disease, my mother, Ursula Kowalski, recently passed away. Most of those years she relied heavily upon the services provided by this network of professionals and many others. The average age of the citizens of New Haven has increased over the years, as within most cities. It is comforting to know this network exists to assist the senior population. The 911 system works because of the people who dutifully staff the operation, from the phone operator to the responder at the scene. Living in the hills on the east side of New Haven, I would hear the sirens of the approaching Fire Department vehicles moments after hanging up the phone. The level of care and concern exhibited by everyone involved was always gratifying. Both of my parents developed quite a rapport with a wide range of courteous people. It is to all of these people, who are too numerous to name, that I am eternally grateful. Paul Kowalski New Haven

©New Haven Register 2002