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Leadership Was Obvious

On behalf of my family, I’d like to thank all those who gave their time and efforts in assisting in the rescue of our home due to a house fire on Feb. 11 in Old Saybrook.

The fire began as I was home alone. I was able to get out with our pet and call 911 once outside the house. It was literally only a matter of minutes when I heard the sirens of firetrucks on their way. The first to arrive was the Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD), which immediately got me away from the house and began treating me for potential smoke inhalation. Within three minutes, the Old Saybrook Fire Department (OSFD) arrived on the scene along with other neighboring towns’ responders, who also assisted. I was amazed at how diligent and professional they were and how quickly they all went to work in saving our home. I was then escorted to an ambulance and recommended to get checked out by ambulance and the emergency room for the smoke. I again was so impressed and thankful for the work of the Old Saybrook Ambulance crew in the job it did for me as well. Everyone involved was phenomenal.

Kudos go out to OSFD Fire Chief Joe Johnson, OSPD Chief Michael Spera, and Old Saybrook Ambulance Association Director Bill Rochette. The leadership of all three was quite obvious when watching it all come together and saving our home and doing it all so well and so quickly .

Thanks also go to the great community of Old Saybrook, including friends, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers who offered their support, prayers, and offerings. We thank everyone very much and, despite being displaced from our home at this time, along with all the inconveniences, we consider ourselves more fortunate than ever.

Vincent McElhone

Old Saybrook