Dear B-Shifters with Ladder 209 –
You guys don’t know me, and I really don’t know you. April 21st of 2012 was probably just another normal day at work for you, but for me, that was one really shitty day.
That was the day I suffered a massive heart attack.
Thank GOD you guys came to work that morning!
My daughter helped me place the 911 call that brought Ladder 209 screaming to my door. To be honest, I don’t remember a whole lot, but I do remember how professional, caring and just downright cool everyone was. I was freaking out, my wife and kids were freaking out, and you guys were all like, “No problem, we’re here, we’re on it, and everything is going to be just fine.”
And you know what? You were right. Everything is just fine!
Shortly after you all dropped me off at Banner Heart Hospital, I was in the cath lab, getting two stents in my LAD coronary artery that was 100% blocked. 2 days later I got another stent in my LCX artery that was 95% blocked.
Today, just over a year later, I’m still alive and kicking. 60 pounds lighter and in a whole lot better shape.
I wouldn’t be here without you guys.
Now don’t go poo-pooing that statement above. It’s the truth. The cardiologist said so.
You helped save my life.
How does one thank someone for saving their life?
I don’t know. Saying, “Thank you” doesn’t seem sufficient.
But I don’t know what else to say.
So, thank you for saving my life.
I wish I knew the names of all the folks from Ladder 209 that helped me that day. I found the Ladder and the shift, and I have a request in for more information. I’m going to hunt you down. Not to be all stalker / whacko-like. I’d just love to shake your hand and buy you your beverage of choice.
You all do remarkable work. You save lives. You’re freaking heroes.
And I mean that, from the bottom of my damaged, but still beating heart.
Follow up post: Read this for the story of meeting three of the Mesa Fire crew that saved my life!
Lets not forget about the ambulance crew that had an integral part of this. The “heroes” that are always forgotten and most of the time disregarded.
Agree COMPLETELY Mark. And add in the 911 dispatcher as well. I’m trying to find them ALL.
Absolutely, Jay. Needless to say, your letter is very much appreciated by all. Not just the people directly related, but anyone in that line of work.
You need to look at the organization 100 Club of Arizona. http://www.100club.org you make the perfect case to thank all those sworn public safety personnel that take care of us day in and day out. The 100 Club consists of folks like you and me that is there for them when they are injured or killed in the line of duty. The organization also provides safety grants to police and fire departments that don’t have the resources they need and scholarships for their children and much more. Thank you for appreciating these amazing public servants!
Love that organization Diane. Thanks for all you do for them!
I just shared this beautiful heartfelt post with my daughter so she’d know that sometimes people do say thanks and truly appreciate what she does. Thanks again Jay. And I’m very happy you are doing so well a year later.
Thanks for sharing it Tammy!