To the editor: I want to offer a public thank-you to the individuals who received the Lifesaving Awards in Ixonia recently for saving my life this past November when asked to apply their training and expertise. It can be any one of us — at any time — when serious injury or health events happen. To have some of our finest citizens committing their time, energy and focus on providing these services at a moment’s notice is certainly worthy of these awards. My gratitude is largely beyond words as I have been enabled to continue life as I did before this event due to their quick thinking and actions.
In sharing this experience in my social circle and beyond, I have been made aware of how significant the need for continued support for equipment, training and encouragement of individuals interested in volunteering and/or committing their skills is to providing this readiness. We are all busy and consumed in our daily lives, yet I want to simply offer a reminder to consider the benefit we all might receive — given the opportunity to support and encourage the exceptional individuals and departments that work to provide them.
— Pete Prochnow and Barb Nyland, Ixonia