Letters to the editor
Proud of Marion
To the Editor:
In the past week the Marion community has been host to two major high school competitions and a Central Kansas League track meet. We have had numerous volunteers come forward and give of their time and energy to make certain these events were administered professionally. We, as a school and as an athletic department, could not ask for a better, more devoted group of supporters to help in our endeavors.
On April 2 Marion High School played host to the Class 3A State Powerlifting Tournament. More than 400 athletes, coaches, and parents participated in this year's event and all were amazed at the dedication of the volunteer judges and table workers who administered the meet.
Many of the coaches and parents asked that the meet always be held in Marion because they know the competition will be well run, will be run on time, and will be judged fairly. What an endorsement of the people who give of their time to help at this meet.
Less than a week later, on April 8, Marion played host to 12 schools from across Kansas as the Marion Relays were held. The same refrain was heard from all the coaches in attendance. Each was complimentary of the meet administration and the individual event judges.
People enjoy coming to Marion to participate in our events because they know the people running the events care about the athletes and care about representing their hometown in the best manner in which they are able.
On behalf of the coaches and administrators of Marion High School, I would just like to offer a tremendous THANK YOU to all community members who help us run our competitions. You are appreciated more than you will ever know, and a major reason why many still consider Marion, "The Best Place I've Seen."
Grant Thierolf
Marion
Recognizing dispatchers
To the Editor:
Marion County Emergency Communications will honor the men and women who serve as public-safety dispatchers during National Public-Safety Telecommunications Week, April 10-16.
Introduced to Congress by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International in 1991, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is the second full week of April each year. This week is dedicated to public safety telecommunicators who aid in providing 911 emergency assistance to citizens everywhere.
Every day, millions of people depend on the skill, expertise, and commitment of the men and women who work in public safety telecommunications. These individuals help save countless lives by responding to emergency calls, dispatching emergency professionals and equipment, and providing moral support to citizens in distress.
The term "911" often is associated with rapid emergency response, poise under pressure, aid and compassion in times of distress, and critical decision-making within seconds. Many people don't stop and think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves. These professionals make the difference between life and death in many instances.
By officially recognizing these public safety telecommunications professionals, Marion County Emergency Communications hopes to awaken public awareness and promote much-needed education regarding important public-safety issues and legislation.
Marion County Emergency Communications recognizes Marvena Cheever, Jenny Creamer, Linda Klenda, Loretta Klose, Sandy Mille, and Kenneth Newell.
Michele Abbott-Becker, KCEM Director
Marion County Emergency Management/Homeland Security Emergency Communications
