To the Editor:

On Memorial Day a small event took place on Elm Street that has reminded all of us who were there about why Potsdam can be a good place to live.

In late morning, a neighborhood dog got loose from his house and was hit by a truck. The dog was trapped under the truck, frightened and howling in pain. The first people on the scene, people simply walking or working outside on Elm Street, began to direct traffic around the accident and to try to aid the dog and give moral support to the truck’s driver, who was, naturally enough, upset.

Soon the Potsdam police and members of the fire department arrived and continued to work to rescue the injured animal. No one was hysterical or gawking, everyone was purposeful and helpful and eventually the dog was released to his owner, shaken, but, alive.

Granted, it was a small thing, the kind of thing that doesn’t often make it to the local papers. But it says a lot about the good will and concern of ordinary people in our village and about the level of commitment of our local police and firemen; some of whom appeared on scene still dressed from the Memorial Day Parade.

We are not a perfect community and we aren’t without our problems. But we are often luckier than we want to admit; to have good neighbors and dedicated public servants. Many thanks to all those involved in the rescue.

Lou Ann Lange, Joanne and Norbert Ackermann

Potsdam