On the morning of January 17, a tragic accident involving three automobiles happened on Highway 240 north of richland. our sons and their friends, nine total, were injured; one fatally, three seriously, and the other with minor injuries.

We want to recognize the Hanford fire and medical teams who responded to this tragic accident and cared for our boys. They were professional in their actions at the scene, yet were very kind and caring to our boys during transport to and during initial care at the hospital. The Hanford medical teams also assisted the hospital staff in the emergency room at a time when the hospital staff was overwhelmed with the injured.

We regret that we do not know the names of each fire and medical team member or that we did not get the opportunity to personally thank each and every one of them.

In our days of grieving for the young man that lost his life and caring fo rthe injured, we feel joy in our hearts and a sense of comfort that our boys were card for by an outstanding group of people. We congratulate these individuals for an outstanding job and pass along our heartfelt thank you. Our most sincere thanks and gratitude.

Jim and Pati Roberts, Roy and Kelly Cram, Jim and Jean Renner, Jackie Webb, Tom and Linda Wintczak, Ruben and Jolene Chacon, Jeff and Shay Gloyn

Letter to the Editor, Hanford Reach, March 23, 1998, issue