Thank the Savers

There's been a lot of talk about rescue efforts after the Monday train wreck and HazMat event. Some people are suspicious that much more could have been done, much sooner, by some of the emergency response people.

Were people in houses near the tracks warned about the deadly chemical release as soon as possible? Were victims and potential victims evacuated as quickly as possible? Did HazMat responders know their stuff?

You expect people to ask. Folks certainly need to know whether their emergency protection systems are working.

Maybe it will turn out that mistakes were made, that there was some confusion and miscommunication and crossed signals. If something needs to be learned from this particular toxic chemical release emergency, the responders have learned it, and will be all that more experienced next time.

Any public criticism and questioning should be about systems and procedures— not about the lifesavers, the people who did the work.

By logic alone, it's unthinkable that any lawman, fireman or other HazMat or Rescue worker would have done less than his or her personal best. Please don't let even one of the savers think that maybe we've overlooked that. A lot of thank yous are deserved, and if you're in a position to, please deliver a thank you to anyone who was involved.

Brad Messer, commentary, KTSA.