I would like to share with your readers a very sad experience and a good one as well. Thursday night my wife, Eva, and myself were driving home from a store in Glen Oaks to our home in Bellerose and were involved in a bad car accident. To make a long story short, I'd like to thank the police department and the fire department that responded right away and were extremely helpful.

The next day, my wife, Eva, suffered extreme chest pain and had breathing problems so we called the Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance Corps, who I think were there in about two minutes it seemed. They were very professional but more than that, they were kind and understanding to my wife's health issues.

They took her to North Shore Hospital because LIJ had no more room or beds available - this we were told is due to two hospitals in Queens being closed down. At North Shore, they took her directly to the patient area where she could be seen as soon as possible and stayed with her until the doctor had seen her and released them from their service. As I was talking to one of them, I asked him his name and he told me it was Raul. I then told him my wife and myself were extremely grateful and we wished we could do something for all their kindness.

Raul than said to me, "It's OK for it is what we do."

The next day I thought about the Glen Oaks Ambulance Corps so I went on the Internet and researched them and found out some facts your readers might find of interest: they are a volunteer organization established 28 years ago and they have answered more than 21,000 calls for help with 80 volunteers. As a volunteer organization I think they could use donations for the fine work that they do. If anyone is interested, please write to the following: Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 79-09 257th Street, Floral Park NY 11004. They can also be reached at 718-347-1637.

I've seen this organization in action and they do a great job. To EMT Raul and his partner, thanks again. Let me also say to the directors and nurses at North Shore Hospital, who work long hours yet still show kindness with all the extra patients they have to see, God bless you all for being there for all of us in need.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.