To The Editor: In our line of work, it’s not a usual occurrence that the fire chief becomes the lifesaver and the person worthy of commendation and merit. This is usually reserved for those of us in the subordinate ranks. Recently, an anonymous caller phoned the fire station in North Wildwood to complain about a smoke detector problem in a nearby dwelling. While the caller was talking with our secretary, she began to change the tone of her voice from alert to passive. This was immediately recognized by our secretary, Kathy Mandell, who turned the call over to Lew Ostrander the city’s fire official. Ostrander sought out assistance from our Fire Chief, Paul Evangelista, who then took over the situation. As the caller spoke with him, her voice began to fade. Evangelista tried to get her to give up her location and suspected she was in need of emergency intervention. Unfortunately, the phone service to our station does not have the capability to record a caller’s location or phone number. Efforts to utilize other agencies to assist had proved futile, and he knew it was up to him to solve this dilemma. The chief felt his instincts were correct and that the caller was indeed in trouble. Eventually, the voice completely faded and only shallow respirations were heard. The phone line was still open, but the situation was becoming dire. Finally, after more than an hour and a half, the chief struck pay dirt. With the aid of a phone service representative, a phone number was to be had. Once he obtained the number, a location can easily be cross-referenced. Finally, he had an address, but was it too late? The call was placed within the city and only a few blocks away. Evangelista immediately sent the duty crew with an ambulance and fire engine. The fire crew forced entry, and an unconscious caller was found on the floor with phone in hand. Vital signs were weak, but they were present. Paramedics arrived to assist the EMS crew who already started intervention. The patient was transported and improved along the way. A life was saved due to persistence and determination. All those mentioned played a part in this emergency, but I think our chief’s role proved to be the deciding factor here. If not for him, the situation may have played out quite differently. For this, I just have to say…well done chief, very well done. EUGENE SANGUINETTI President Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association Local 56 North Wildwood