To the Editor,
I just wanted to comment and clear the air on the photograph of an OPP police cruiser that was in a sink hole on Oliver Rd.
The photo and other photos of flood victims have been seen around various media websites and Facebook pages and there have been numerous negative and insulting comments made by members of the public that were also posted.
My husband was the police officer driving the cruiser in the photo and was responding to assist his fellow Police Officers who were checking on an 80-year-old flood victim and assisting with other serious emergency washout conditions throughout the area.
He and his fellow police, fire and ambulance colleagues were working for the citizens of Ontario doing their jobs in the rain, darkness and treacherous conditions while most of us slept in our warm safe beds.
Contrary to what some people say, he was not out for a Sunday drive nor did he drive purposely into that deep hole. He was responding to calls for help and the roadway collapsed under the moving Police vehicle. He had no control over that or the weather that caused this event.
This was unfortunate, but all part of the duties to serve and protect and I am sure they all would do it again despite any conditions. We as proud citizens of Ontario and of Thunder Bay should be rallying together to assist others and provide support for those in need instead of wasting time with negative and insulting comments.
For those of you that have helped others in this time of need I personally commend you.
I would also like to thank all the dedicated members of all the police, fire, ambulance services as well as other community support people for all coming together in this emergent event. Let’s all pull together and be ready for the next thing Mother Nature throws at us.
Name withheld,
Thunder Bay
