This poem was handed out to everyone who attended the Annual Emergency Medical Service Banquet, given to recognize volunteers by the City of Middleton, Wisconsin, on February 19, 2000.

"To Our Town from the EMTs" Author Unknown -

We're sorry if we wake you in the middle of the night,
But someone in your neighborhood is fighting for their life.

We're sorry if we block the road and make you turn around,
But there's been a bad wreck - people dying on the ground.

When you see us coming, we hope you understand,
Let us have the right of way, someone heeds a helping hand.

Sometimes a person is choking, sometimes a broken leg,
Sometimes a heart stops beating, when we get there, it's too late.

So if you see us crying, when we think we are alone,
You'll know we've had a "bad one", and we're feeling mighty down.

You ask us why we do it, "How can you watch them die?"
It's never very easy, but we'll try to tell you why.

Somewhere deep within us, our souls are crying out,
"We're here to help our neighbors in their hour of pain and doubt."

God gave us something special to help us see you through.
We do it 'cause we love you and we care about you too.

Poem submitted by Diane Saunders a retired EMT of 12 years for Middleton EMS, Middleton, Wisconsin and now on a disaster medical assistance Team (MN-1 DMAT)