There are outstanding men living among us here on the Peninsula. They are Capt. Josh Raichl, FF/EMTs Scott Elliott, Richard Schatz, and David Tobin of Pacific County Fire District #1.

On Dec. 23, I slipped on the ice in front of my house and fractured my hip, slamming my entire right side on the cement. The explosive agony is impossible to adequately describe. Lying on the ice in the rain, any movement was impossible, and it was unbearable for me to be touched by anyone. I imagine my screams reached the ears of my neighbors. My dearest husband called 911. Within in a very short time, the paramedics arrived, examined me and assessed the predicament at hand. They managed to move me out of the rain and devise a plan to transfer me to the ambulance. With inspired use of their equipment, an ornate “body sling” transfer board, they got me onto the stretcher. Bypassing a dozen or so stairs to the street, I was safely placed in the ambulance. I don’t remember how, but they managed to reduce my pain before the increased agony of any jostling around. In route, they managed to make the bumps and my breathing bearable. During this entire ordeal, they were kind, gentle, and compassionate.

I am grateful for their genuine caring concern for my comfort and safety. I shall remain eternally grateful to these four individuals, examples of people who make this world a better place. Thank you.

MELISSA GOLDBERG, RN, BSN (ret.)