Park emergency

Dear Editor:On my morning Wednesday walk at approximately 9:30 a.m. at San Gabriel Park (near the dog park area) I was flagged down by another walker looking for a phone. We eventually found a phone and called the Downey paramedics and fire department, whome were extremely professional and showed genuine concern and appreciation for the patient while doing the same for bystanders, including myself. The lady was only 34, in serious obvious psychological and physical stress. She asked that I not leave her side and hold her hands until the paramedics arrived. Even though this lady was in distress, she kept repeating "I want to see my daughter as she graduates from middle school today in Costa Mesa. I'm attempting to get there by bus and now I may not get to see her." After paramedics arrived, they respectfully relieved us of our Good Samaritan duties in a very reassuring manner. And they took the patient. Downey paramedics and firefighters do deserve the recognition they receive for many reasons. Leonard Zuniga Downey

********** Published: June 21, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 10