To the editor:

It's not often that our police, fire, EMS personnel and DPW workers get enough credit for what they do. They are there day in and day out. All routine for most of them and then a crisis hits like it did three days ago when I-95 was shut down and our Port City was in such gridlock. I am certain it was extremely difficult in the city to get around to handle the other calls for service coming in while a nightmare was unfolding.

I saw an officer directing traffic on Merrimac Street under the old Route 1 overpass for hours on end not even stop for a sip of water that we tried to offer him. Then the city marshal himself showed up and started directing traffic at the same spot with the officer.

The emergency response to the traffic collision on I-95 that put this city in a vulnerable position was handled efficiently and effectively. Major roadways were protected for other emergencies that were occurring in Newburyport while the cleanup on I-95 was unfolding.

We should all understand this was an extremely critical incident, and to what looked like chaos to most was a situation unfolding and being handled as rapidly and professionally as possible.

Hats off to the men and women of the Newburyport Police and Fire Departments as well as EMS personnel and city workers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! However, should we have expected anything less from them?

Michael E. Vetrano Sr.

Newburyport