LETTER... the dedication to duty and professionalism exhibited by the local rescue units

Editor:
I was with Pete Serson and his friends last week when he collapsed and died on the Fall Lake – Newton portage. Our efforts to revive him were daunting. With 2 college students alternating CPR and his grandson courageously holding his hand, it was readily apparent we needed help and we needed it fast.
My cell phone luckily had enough juice to reach 911. Within minutes we could hear the helicopter approaching. Simultaneously, we could hear the rescue units coming from the Fall Lake landing. When they reached us, it was immediately apparent they knew exactly what to do as they took charge of the situation, relieving the 2 college students and aggressively working on Pete.
When he could not be revived, they carefully protected Pete and prepared him to be moved back to the landing, while at the same time shielding his grandson from unnecessary stress.
There simply are not enough words to adequately recognize the dedication to duty and professionalism exhibited by the local rescue units. But when it counted, the Morse Fall Lake Fire and First Responders, the Ely Area Ambulance Service, the North St. Louis County Rescue Squad, and the Lake County Sheriff were undoubtedly up to the task.
Thank you all for a job well done.
Dave Merhar, LTC, US Army (ret.)
Ely, MN