I’m compelled to respond to Stephen Raymond’s Forum letter (“Teach Kids by Following the Laws,” Nov. 1), in which he criticizes a firetruck for allegedly speeding. He states that the firetruck was “not on an emergency (no lights ).”
This misconception could have deadly results. There are several circumstances in which first responders need to refrain from using lights and sirens when responding to an emergency. A firetruck responding to an arson where the arsonist may still be on scene trying to lure in first responders is one drastic, but unfortunately real example. Often ambulances must avoid using lights and sirens when transporting someone. A person with a seizure disorder, a pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia or a person with autism having a medical emergency are only a few of many other possibilities.
As a first responder for many years, it’s been my experience that most who choose to answer this calling do so with a genuine respect and appreciation for life and safety, and the idea that an outside observer is judging when and how responders respond is chilling. Please appreciate that we are out there with the best of intentions, to save lives and assist the public.
Matt Herbert Wilder
On behalf of the city of Lebanon and the Lebanon Police Department, the undersigned Lebanon city councilors would like to express our thanks and deep appreciation to the anonymous resident who recently donated $18,000 to cover the purchase of 10 body cameras for use by our police department.
As our police officers work diligently to build bridges through their community policing efforts, it is gratifying to witness this act of selfless, community-focused philanthropy from one of our city’s own residents. We are all deeply appreciative of this generous gift.
Mayor Georgia Tuttle, Assistant Mayor Suzanne Prentiss and councilors Karen Liot-Hill, Bruce Bronner, Erling Heistad, Bill Finn, Clifton Below, Tim McNamara and Sarah WelschLebanon
Once again student members of the Dartmouth Undergraduate Veterans Association — veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan — are partnering with Dartmouth Uniformed Service Alumni — veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East conflicts — to raise money for the Toys for Tots program in the Upper Valley.
The premier event is DUVA’s Fifth Annual Veterans Day Banquet with a theme this year of remembrance of the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The event, on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Hanover Inn, will feature a cocktail reception, dinner and silent auction to benefit Upper Valley Toys for Tots. The featured speaker will be Lt. Col. (retired) Dan Hampton, Air Force fighter pilot with 151 combat missions, New York Times best-selling author of Viper Pilot and Dartmouth MALS graduate student.
Following the DUVA program, Dartmouth President Emeritus James Wright and DUSA will present the fourth Annual James Wright Award for Distinguished Service to Army Col. (retired) Dr. James Geiling, chief of the medical service at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, and coordinator of first responders at the Pentagon during the Sept. 11, 2001 attack.
DUVA and DUSA welcome all Upper Valley veterans and residents who wish to honor their service to attend the banquet. For ticket information and reservations, please visit Dartgo.org/vetbanquet or DUSA.Dartmouth.org.
Dan MacDonaldTom Byrne
Hanover
Thank a Veteran Nov. 11
Veterans Day on Nov. 11 is a time to give thanks and honor all those who have served or are now serving in the military, whether in the Guard, reserves or the traditional regular forces, to let them know we appreciate them for defending our freedoms, for their patriotism and their willingness to serve and make personal sacrifices for our great country.
On Friday, remember and recognize our veterans and all members of the Armed Forces, past and present, with a special greeting of “Thank you for your service.” Acknowledge and give special recognition to our aging WW II, Korean War and Vietnam-era veterans. A thank you from all of us is but a small token of what these men and woman have earned and deserve.
John O’BrienOrford