Dear Editor:Last Monday morning, at 12:55 a.m., I received a call from my sister; my dad was being rushed to the hospital because he was experiencing chest pains. The paramedics had already been called. I arrived at the hospital about 20 minutes later to find my dad was being taken into surgery. He had suffered a heart attack and a metal stent was placed in his heart. Thankfully, my dad recovered and is back home with my mom, hopefully able to enjoy life for another decade or two (minus the diet of hamburger and fries). That morning when my mom called 911, she entrusted my dad's life to perfect strangers; strangers who remained calm throughout the ordeal, strangers who gave my dad words of encouragement on the drive to the hospital, strangers who were instrumental in saving his life. My mom called 911 and the Downey Fire Department arrived less than seven minutes later (not bad for guys who were probably in their PJs, enjoying a good night's sleep when the call came in). The fast response of the DFD saved my dad's life. My family and I are eternally grateful. This "thank you" can in no way express the gratitude we have for the Downey Fire Department, but thank you anyways, Station No. 4 "A Shift." Each of you made a difference in not only my dad's life, but those that love him. - Sylvia Rand, Downey

********** Published: May 1, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 2