To the Editor,

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Weirton’s first responders for their professionalism when responding to an emergency. I witnessed this first-hand when I experienced a medical emergency, on Saturday, June 21, at the Lauttamus Event Center.

When I worked for the Hancock County Commission, I had responsibility for the Hancock County 911 Center and worked closely with dispatchers. I watched as dispatchers took incoming calls and processed those calls with speed and accuracy to the proper agency; fire, police, or ambulance, to get emergency personnel to a location as quickly as possible. I never thought that on that Saturday afternoon I would be on the receiving end of a 911 call.

Weirton Fire Department arrived first and Hancock County Ambulance arrived next; all within five minutes of placing the call. I was transported to WVU Weirton Medical Center and was being evaluated all within a 15-minute time frame.

I want the people of Weirton to know that we have the “best of the best” in terms of emergency responders; both fire and ambulance. I also want to personally thank those city firemen and the EMT’s who came to my aid, assessed the situation and took care of my needs. Thank you for your training and expertise. And, finally I want to thank the 911 Center for their quick dispatching. This is how it works when each agency comes together for the caring needs of an individual and helps save a life. Thank God for these individuals serving the citizens of Weirton, thank you again.

Thomas Zielinsky

Weirton