PAX Centurion - March / April 2013

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • March/April 2013 • Page 35 Profiles in kindness By Eric McDevitt, C-73 R ecently, it was brought to my attention an act of kindness by some of our fellow department members that makes you think that just possibly, we as a human race have a chance.A chance to just possibly turn things around. An opportunity to believe in the goodness of others and not just the evil that we see and hear in our little spot in the cosmos on a daily basis. Recently, it was brought to my attention one of these selfless acts. One, that  but if not for their partner of the day tellingme about it, might have gone unnoticed.  On January 22 nd , ALS and BLS along with the Boston Fire Depart- ment were dispatched to a commercial establishment for the report of a woman experiencing shortness of breath. Upon the arrival of the crews they found a woman who had become upset and anxious. While talking to the woman, the reason for her being so upset became quickly apparent.  She had arrived to pick up her prescription medications. The pharmacist had her medications waiting as usual for pick up after being filled. Only one thing had changed. Her medication co-pay had gone from FREE to costing her $6.25 . Now we all know that the economy is still in dire straits. People are either unemployed, under employed or between housing, heating bills, transportation costs etc, there is very little extramoney togo around. Bos- tonEMS crews see it on a daily basis. Some of the peoplewhowe come into contact with either cannot afford to fill their prescriptions or take themin amanner not appropriate for theirmedical conditions.The crews of EMSwere quickly able to gain control of the situation and to calmthe woman down in an attempt to resolve the issue. Now we all know that despite the name, Boston EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, that others call upon us to handle situations outside the scope of what we normally would be expected to do. Unfortunately, the drugstore establishment is in the business of making a profit. They help those that they can, but corporate policy dictates exactly what they can and cannot do for customers that come in to have medications or services filled and that perhaps do not have the money for it. Without hesitation, one of theEMS crewmembers took out his credit card and put it on the counter top so that the pharmacist could ring up the order and the woman could have her four prescription medications. The woman was overjoyed to say the least. She eventually went on her way after saying numerous “thank yous” to the BEMS member who took care of her co-pay. Now we all know that members of the service experience the same issues as others in theworking and nonworkingworld. BILLS, BILLS AND MORE BILLS. But this crew member was able to reach out a helping hand to someonewhowas in need, just not necessarily medical need. Maybe this person who was helped will remember the kindness of four people and one individual specifically, who went out of their way for her. I had posted something on Facebook a while back and in ending this article it seems appropriate. “Random acts of kindness are acts that typically not to many people are aware of. The person who performs the act and the receiver of it.” It’s time that themembers of the department  get recognized for their hard work, generosity and kind spirit. Each day, folks in the service perform acts of heroism and humanity. They often go unrecognized. Hopefully this mindset can be changed. So let us change it from within. C arole l und r.e. G ail d e C oste Real Estate Agent Gail.carolelund@gmail.com Office: (781) 769-0122 Cell: (617) 407-9217 Fax: (781) 326-3776 Power of Attorney Health Care Proxy Protect yourself and your family by being prepared for life’s surprises Call us today to find out how these two legal documents available for less than $400 can work for you Don Green Law Office of Donald E. Green (A full service law firm) 2235 Washington Street Roxbury, MA 02119 (617) 442-0050 • toll free (877) DON-GREEN As we have over the past 30 years, we offer a discounted fee to police officers Don Green Annette Hill Green