To the editor:

I am writing in response to Suffolk Vice Mayor Charles Brown’s assertion that “…during the response to an F3 tornado, Hurricane Irene, Blizzard of 2010 and multiple nor’easters, I do not recall seeing anyone but the city manager and her employees.”

I would like to provide a partial list of those not employed by the city of Suffolk who rendered invaluable aid during these events. These organizations were apparently overlooked by Mr. Brown.

• The Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad
• The Driver Volunteer Fire Department
• The Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department
• The Holland Volunteer Fire Department
• The Whaleyville Volunteer Fire Department
• The Windsor Volunteer Fire Department
• The Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad
• The Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
• The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad
• The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad
• The Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad
• The Gates County Volunteer Rescue Squad
• Medical Transport Inc.
• The Chesapeake Fire Department
• The Portsmouth Fire Department
• Norfolk Fire & Rescue
• The Hampton Department of Fire and EMS
• The Newport News Fire Department
• Dominion Virginia Power

With all due respect to all the city agencies that responded admirably to these events, there were quite a few additional agencies assisting, in addition to the city manager and her employees.

Let’s at least be willing to share the accolades for the successful and professional responses that protected so many lives and so much property.

Robert W. Hundley
Suffolk