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The OKAMI NEWSLETTER
Spring 2002 Edition
by Brian Gershuny
A Tribute in honor of all of the members of the EMS and
Rescue community that responded on September 11th.

I have been very busy the past few months.  I must apologize to those people that I was unable to answer e-mails or make time for you to visit.  I have had barely enough time to keep everything watered.

Those of you who know me, know that my 'real' job is as a New Jersey Paramedic.  The morning of September 11th was my day off but by 10 a.m., I was in uniform responding to the tragedy that struck our country.  There are no words to describe the all of the emotions and awe we felt as we first saw the cloud, first hand, that rose from the site where the World Trade Center once stood.  Since that day, I have been very involved with our department’s preparedness and training.  I have also been busy working on our newly formed Paramedic Bicycle Unit.  All of this has taken most of my time.

I want to pay tribute to the many EMS, Fire and Rescue workers that responded to the terrorist attacks on that first day.  They were all willing to go into a situation that was still dangerous.  We knew the possibility of secondary attacks, chemical or biological agents and general volatility existed and there was no guarantee we would return home.  Many workers went home frustrated that they where unable to assist in the operation as so many people responded.  Secondary and tertiary treatment areas were set up but never used.  I want to congratulate New Jersey’s Task Force One, Urban Search and Rescue Team for doing and outstanding job leading the way of the recovery efforts.  Having worked K9 Search and Rescue, I know how hard and draining the work is.  All those who responded can hold their heads high knowing they where the first soldiers in the war against terrorism.

I plan to get the nursery opened by late April.  I have a lot of catching up to do.  I also have a lot of reorganizing to prepare in anticipation of water restrictions due to the drought.  I do hope to have an Open House again.  Keep watch for more information and updates.