Dear Editor:

My wife and I were among the Hannaford customers who were told to leave our carts and the store immediately during the closure of the small mall area because of a gas leak. By staff, public announcement, and telephone text, we were informed of the urgent need to leave the area immediately. With the exception of untangling our cars from the parking lot at Hannaford, we were firmly guided away from the area by the many first responders. Using a circular route, we reached our home only to sit in darkness waiting for electricity to be safely restored so that no spark would cause a devasting explosion. All things considered, it was an adventure handled with a high degree of professionalism on the part of all in authority in this extraordinary circumstance.

A month before, another extraordinary circumstance, one on a much more personal level occurred. As I drove home, I suffered a medical incident that caused me to black out and drive off the road. I was lucky to find my cell phone in the wreckage and called 911. The Boothbay Region Ambulance found my car and rescued me from the driver’s seat. Without hesitation, the medic announced I would be transported to the trauma center in Portland. I am convinced his professional diagnosis and action saved me from a far worse condition.

I am grateful in both instances for the training, the quiet compassion, and the resolve to serve the public in our community. We may live in a small town, but we are served by big leaguers. An unexpected dividend was the rehab care given me in St. Andrews Village and my ongoing visits to the wound clinic. Talk about the Big Leagues!

Thank you for all who meet us in those extraordinary times of life.

William J. Wood

Trevett