Dear Madame Editor:
Please allow me this opportunity to express a sincere THANK YOU to the Dillon County Emergency Services, EMS & Rescue along with the Dillon County Sheriff Department for their rapid response this Saturday, Dec. 6 night.
This past weekend marked the time for an annual campout for local Boy Scout troops in a very secluded rural area of Dillon County. The culmination of this event was the Saturday evening campfire where the boys and adults of all the troops gathered to enjoy an hour or so of skits, loud singing, and general fun. Afterwards, the troops returned to their respective campsites to relax around their troop campfires or attend to some late evening chore before hitting the sack. The adult leaders made head counts to make sure everyone was present. But, one was missing! The adult leaders did as they are trained to do in such situations by restricting the boys to their respective campsites and immediately began canvassing the area for the missing boy, an 11 year old with learning disabilities. After an hour of frantic searching with no results, it was decided that more help was required. The call was put in to 911.
The response from Dillon County EMS, Rescue and Sheriff Department was blazing fast. In addition, there were others in the community of scout leaders, not involved with this campout, who somehow got word of the situation and began pouring into the area. Fortunately, soon after all these forces arrived the boy was located safe, secure and no less the worse for wear. The responders shortly departed and we were all overwhelmed with a feeling of great relief and gratitude. Not a single responder complained about being interrupted from their evening or their regular duties. We all felt blessed.
We should not have been surprised by the response made by our emergency services. After all, this is what they are trained and dedicated to do. However the quality of that effort as well as the compassion that was on display Saturday night was nothing short of amazing. I talked with several of the first responders and I am pretty sure I can deliver a consensus of their feelings:
“Yes, this is what we do. However, I will tell you that the thought of a kid lost, alone, and afraid in the dark woods on a rainy night is enough to get you moving very quickly. But the thought that he might not survive if I do not respond as best I can is intolerable.”
All is well. Thank you!
Very truly yours,
Earl Dutton
1310 John Street
Dillon, S.C. 29536f
