Letter to the Editor

Church gives thanks for response

Sunday, December 30, 2007

To the Editor:

On Sunday morning, Dec. 23, a crisis struck our church family when a section of bulkhead on the underneath side of the balcony in the sanctuary fell down during the second service.

Praise be to God that while there were several injuries to church family members, none were serious and, as of this time, everyone is home and recovering well.

We would like to express deep thanks to the members of our Emergency Response Team, as well as all of those with medical backgrounds who immediately jumped in to help triage and treat those who were injured in the collapse. Their skills and expertise were instrumental in keeping the injured calm and safe until the fire department arrived on scene.

We would also like to express gratitude to the members of the Clay County Sheriff's Department, The Brazil Police Department, Brazil City Fire Department, Clay County Search and Rescue and TransCare Ambulance Service, whom showed up to help treat the injured and secure the scene. Their prompt arrival and professionalism insured that everyone treated and evacuated from the sanctuary calmly.

Finally, the staff and Elder's would like to thank all of the congregation for handling this crisis with composure and strength, for all of those who helped move debris so people could escape, and for all of those that helped their neighbors move to safety.

This event only serves to illustrate the strength and character of our Church family.

Bob Witte,

Senior Pastor,

First Christian Church