They’re ready to respond, day or night
Lately, with the horrible car crash in Spencer and the loss of so many lives from that accident, it has made me realize how fortunate we are to have such an awesome group of dedicated men and women out there who ready to respond at any time, day or night, to come to our rescue. This is the case whether it be police officer, first responder, fire department, Sheriff’s Office, etc.
I can only imagine the stress they must feel answering these calls.
You are appreciated very much. God bless you all!
— Virginia Spry

Salisbury

VA campus walking
It was almost two years ago that my wife and I went for a walk around the VA Medical Center complex, where we were stopped by a uniformed police officer and informed that walking was a “recreational” activity and, therefore, prohibited.
I called security and was told by a sergeant on duty that this was indeed their policy. I did not pursue the matter because a short time later, a health walk by employees and patients took place on these same grounds. My assumption was that saner minds had prevailed, and public presence on public land had been restored.
I now find that this is not the case, and that visitors and even patients are prevented from walking around the complex. Does this mean visitors or patients must be accompanied by a guard? As for defining walking as “recreational,” how about breathing? Eating?
— John Alexander

Salisbury

VA Public Affairs Officer Carol Waters responds: “We do not have enough information on this specific incident to address the writer’s concern; however, employees, patients, and visitors are always welcome to walk for exercise.
“The Salisbury VA Medical Center is a federal installation and for the protection of patients, employees and visitors, our police officers may stop and question those individuals who do not appear to be at the medical center for a legitimate reason.”