To the Editor:
To use a bad phrase I am in “shock and awe” about the loss of my house and belongings on Jan. 12. I was attaching the plow and stuck in the snow by the barn and, in only a few minutes, the fire got a good start and it was impossible to get inside the house.
After calling 911 it seemed like only minutes before an engine and many cars started showing up and mobilizing to fight the fire. The major concern in the early moments was for my safety and well being. The ambulance and EMTs arrived quickly and I was soon evaluated and treated with oxygen and warmth. By the time I was able to get back out, the house was pretty much “fully involved,” as were many engines and men and women firefighters.
The blizzard conditions didn’t seem to slow their efforts and I was finally told that I had better go to town and start looking for a place to stay. On my way down Rt. 215 I saw an amazing sight that was ongoing behind the scene. A pumper truck was sucking water from the brook under 215 and filling tankers to supply water to the firefighters.
I am shocked my house is gone but in awe of the men and women that came to help me on that cold, snowy, nasty day. No questions, just do it.
I know that in addition to Jefferson, engines and men from Whitefield and Newcastle joined in the effort. Even the men plowing the roads switched to smaller plows and plowed many additional places for the trucks and men to use. CMP arrived and quickly disconnected the power for the safety of all concerned.
There was so much going on that the seamless unity with which the different departments worked was truly awesome. We should all be grateful for these members of our communities for their training and dedication to our safety. I wish I could thank each of these people individually but this letter will have to suffice. Thank you one and all.
John Stevens, Jefferson
