As I sit here reflecting on the events that transpired this morning, I can’t help but get emotional. As a mother to young children, it is every parent’s worst nightmare that your child gets hurt, or worse, be involved in a serious accident.

Driving my child to school on the morning on Oct. 5 was like any ordinary morning. We were about four car lengths from turning into the school parking lot, but were held up by what I thought was normal traffic.

It wasn’t until I looked up ahead in the entrance of the school parking lot that I noticed a vehicle with several people around it. I observed a bicycle on the ground and what looked to be a backpack. I suddenly realized what had just happened: a child riding his bicycle had been struck by a vehicle and was what looked to be pinned underneath. There was a woman (who I believed I recognized as the school nurse) on the ground with the boy. The school principal and social worker could also be seen in close proximity assisting and helping to maintain composure and order in an extremely chaotic environment.

Shortly after, emergency personnel began responding. Deputy Chief Kevin Duross was first to arrive on scene. He pulled his service vehicle up to the vehicle that had struck the child. He did so in a manner that blocked visual of the child pinned under the vehicle for most of the public view. Having had a small child with me who was aware of what had happened, I was especially appreciative for this maneuver. I know there were also several other small children in the area that could see what had just taken place.

Chief Gagne was next on scene. He immediately ran to the child and began assessing the situation. It was a minute or so before the rest of the responders began to arrive on scene. Before I knew it, it seemed like there were 10 to 12 emergency personnel present.

The emergency personnel moved swiftly and carefully. It was almost as if these professionals had practiced this situation 100 times prior. I was in awe of how well orchestrated they functioned in getting this boy the medical attention he needed. The boy was removed and taken away by ambulance. The remainder of the emergency personnel cleaned up and left the scene almost as quickly as they arrived.

Many are probably wondering why I felt the need to write this. I have several family members that are first responders, and I maintain a high level of respect for them, but today gave me a greater appreciation. It was amazing to me how quickly they responded and how methodically they worked. It was evident that these people are well led, well trained and very skilled at their work.

In a society where people in these jobs are underappreciated and under constant scrutiny (not to mention currently working without a contract to do so), they, day in and day out, go to work to serve and protect our community efficiently and effectively. They do so while people blatantly disrespect and defy them. In situations where people are helpless or running away due to fear or danger, they are there rendering aid and running toward the problem to assist those in need.

So today to the first responders, I want to publicly say, “THANK YOU!” Your work and effort is noticed and valued. Also, “THANK YOU” to the school personnel who aided in the moments before emergency personnel arrived. (I learned the boy had no life-threatening injuries, for which I was extremely grateful.)

Charity Camire
Biddeford