As seen on the Wilton Bulletin
To the Editors:
Last month, at the Wilton Chamber of Commerce Street Fair, while on a deployment for Wilton CERT, an unfortunate freak accident occurred, and I gravely injured myself with a wound to the artery in my left wrist.
I was losing blood fast and time was not on my side. Luckily Firefighter Mike Blatchley and Lt. Gregg Kitik were already on the scene for the event itself and just a couple of feet from me. Lt. Kitik was on his radio instantly requesting the ambulance, and Mr. Blatchley went into action.
Merely saying thank-you to the man who saved my life seems to fall far short in comparison for what Mr. Blatchley did for me on July 12. It’s a debt that can never be repaid. A couple of days after the incident I walked into fire headquarters and shook Mike’s hand behind closed doors. At this week’s Board of Selectmen meeting, it was a privilege to attend Michael Blatchley’s public recognition ceremony for his actions that day.
On behalf of myself and my family, thank you: for your quick thinking, for your tireless training, for never leaving my side — all the way to the hospital, and for risking your life every day.
This is for all the times no one comes back to say that to you.
It is not taken for granted, I promise you. That goes to all of our firefighters, police, and volunteer ambulance corps members. Thanks for what you all do, every day!
Brian McDermott
Wilton, Aug. 19
AUG