We recently placed our very first 911 call and were overwhelmed at the professional response given to our 10-year-old daughter.

From the 911 responder, to the police officer, to the fire department, to the ambulance staff that transported her to Whidbey General, we could not have been more impressed. Every one of you did your best to calm our daughter and our other children at the home during a very scary time for them. We had no idea that the Soroptimists have a “HUG” program. Caitlyn held tight to the stuffed bear that was given to her by the police officer just as the ambulance doors were closing.

Thank you Oak Harbor Soroptimists, you all have a clear passion for doing what you do and you truly care about the people you are helping. We have been proud to call Oak Harbor home for four tours of duty over 10 years. None of our other duty stations have come close to the sense of community that we are privileged to have here.

We will be forever grateful to all of you and the staff at Whidbey General as well. Let’s all take a moment this week to thank a first responder. These amazing individuals deserve it.

Commander and Mrs. William Dodge

Oak Harbor