Praise for Fire and Police Departments

Last month, the neighborhood suffered great injury due to a sudden afternoon fire. Although three houses were were burned, greater tragedy was avoided partly due to a heroic and quick response by Richmond’s Fire Department. Oregon Hill residents have always had great love and esteem for firefighters and some even remember the fire station that used to be on Laurel Street before the Expressway took it. Although many of us grouse about rising City taxes and fees, it is hard to find anyone who will begrudge the budget for Richmond’s fire department. On that evening when many of us walked over to Pleasants Park to see what was left of the century and a half-old row houses, it was a great comfort to see Fire Chief Creecy and his compatriots at work, making sure that the fire was controlled and victims were taken care of. Last month the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association voted unanimously to recognize the Fire Department for their great efforts.

In the same vein, the Richmond Police Department deserves our appreciation as well. As this past weekend approached, many residents were concerned about a repeat of unpleasantries associated with previous ‘Slaughterama’ weekends. The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association was particularly concerned about sending the right, strong message- that we were not against fun or bicycles, but would not stand for litter, excessive noise, or vandalism. I am pleased to report that I have not heard of any problems from this past weekend- it was a nice quiet weekend with neighbors and visitors enjoying beautiful weather and outside activities. Slaughterama 6 was a success as well and people watched as well as took part in the games and stunts on Belle Island. While congratulating the police, parks officials, public, and Slaughterama organizers, special thanks goes to the sector police lieutenant Lisa Drew, who did a marvelous job of mustering resources and briefing her fellow officers. She spent many hours carefully planning deployment. She deserves to be commended for a job well done.

3 thoughts on “Praise for Fire and Police Departments

  1. I totally agree with you on thanking and praising the fire department and the police department… but, I just can’t help but notice that Richmond Ambulance Authority isn’t thanked at all. A lot of people do not know this, but RAA is the only ambulance organization in Richmond that responds to ALL 911 medical calls. That means, yes… the fire department comes too (sometimes) but an ambulance is ALWAYS called, and if needed transports the patient to one of the many surrounding hospitals.

    However, I understand that this is easily overlooked… it’s kind of strange EMS system here in Richmond. EMS and fire are separated, but also work together (sometimes – mostly on very stressful or serious calls i.e. cardiac arrest, or serious motor vehicle accident just as examples).

    Also, just so people know… 3 ambulances, and one operations supervisor were on scene at that raging fire on Albemarle. That’s 7 (1 paramedic, 1 EMT per truck, plus the supervisor) that also risked there lives to possibly save a life on this scene.

    Just something to think about. I am an employee here and we barely ever get on the news or anything and I think it’s because of people’s lack of knowledge of the Richmond EMS system. Just trying to get the word out… no hard feelings. FD and RD save our a** all the time!

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