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To the editor:

I would like to sincerely thank the Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire & Rescue departments for coming to my aid on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

While unloading my tractor from a trailer, as the result of my own negligence, the tractor ran over my left foot, lower leg, knee and thigh, stopping just below my waist, where I became pinned under the tractor’s left rear wheel. It all happened in an instant. Thankfully, my wife, Sandra, heard my cries for help and was able to come to my aid. She turned the engine off and immediately called 911.

Literally within minutes, members of the Suffolk Police and Fire & Rescue personnel arrived and began to evaluate the situation and plan how they could extract me from beneath the tractor, all the while assuming the worst as far as injuries were concerned.

They were calm and professional at all times. It was obvious they were well trained.

Within approximately 10-15 minutes after their arrival, I was put in an ambulance and carried to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital emergency room for crush trauma evaluation.

Thank God the examination revealed no major bone fractures, but I did sustain severe bruising from foot to groin area. I was released from the hospital after a couple of days and am now recovering rapidly.

I don’t know the names of the men and women of the Suffolk Police and Fire departments (Station 1 and 4), the medical technicians or the ambulance driver.

I just want folks to know that, based on this experience, I am proud and most thankful for the dedication and knowledge all of these men and women exhibited.

Hopefully, none of you will have a need for them to come to your rescue, but if you do, rest assured, they are ready and able.

R.J. Judy

Suffolk