My husband and I were second to arrive on the scene of the burning vehicle Friday night before Emergency Responders had arrived. We had just pulled onto the Route 1 onramp on our way to the firework show in Searsport that evening when we noticed the fire from a distance. 

Our guess was that the fire had started just a minute or two before we arrived. Upon pulling over and running over to the burning vehicle, we saw that the driver had already been removed from the vehicle. A deep sense of relief came over me. We heard a man shout from a car behind us, "I've got her, I've got her!" We did not get the name of the gentleman who had retrieved Ms. Lapham and ensured her safety, but we were so moved to see another act of compassion in our community.

Two days prior to this event, I had just clocked out from work when an accident on Route 1 a few towns over in Rockport occurred just across the street from the bank I work at. We made haste to make sure everyone involved was alright and within the first minute after the vehicle went off the road, several other people pulled over to be sure the drivers were okay. Incidents like these shed light on how blessed we are to live in a community where people care enough to take time from their own schedule to help others and don't simply wait for those who are "qualified" to arrive on the scene. We can all make a difference. I am reminded of the story of the Good Samaritan. Moments like these can be quite nerve-wracking and it takes a good amount of bravery, heart, and focus to assist someone in these types emergency situations.

We wanted to pass on our gratitude and respects to the man who assisted Ms. Lapham Friday evening and to the Firemen, Policemen, and Emergency Responders who offer up their time and energy every day to make a difference in the safety and protection of our communities. 

Sincerely,
Rein and Sarah Green