An Appeal For Support

To the Editor,

On June 10, our brother/brother-in-law, son, husband, father, and uncle, Bill Cochran, Jr, had a severe asthma attack and needed immediate medical attention; 911 was called to summon the ambulance after he had tried medications to treat his breathing problem. The situation quickly deteriorated; his breathing stopped, and he turned blue from head to foot.

Due to a previous call, the Emergency Service van was en route back from Danbury when they received the call. Twenty minutes passed before a rescue team arrived. Luckily for all of us his brother, a Greenwich Police Lieutenant and EMT trained, was with us. His lack of equipment impaired his ability to help his brother, but he evidently was able to force enough air into his blue and dying brother to help him survive. Upon arrival, the rescue team quickly and professionally went to work as other town emergency teams arrived.

We are blessed, sincerely thankful to those members who treated him, and are grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and support. Unfortunately because of the emotional confusion of the moment we did not get their names, however they know who they are. Due to the scarcity of equipment, we almost lost a dear family member; however because of the will of God and these able hands our family is still intact and well.

The Town of Newtown is expanding in an alarming rate and it is imperative that the safety of its residents (and guests) is not put in jeopardy. We (the Sykes) are urgently appealing to the residents of Newtown to open your wallets (as our families are) and contribute (as you can afford) to a much-needed service before your family is in a similar situation only without an EMT trained police officer available.

Tim and Linda Sykes

The Cochran Families

3 Old Bridge Road, Sandy Hook

Stamford, CT, Atlanta, GA                                         June 16, 2000