I am writing to you to share a happy-ending story where two Nashua Police officers saved my life.

On Sunday, March 27th, I was heading home from a fantastic Community Concert piano concerto held at Nashua High North. After the concert, I was headed home, with my senior rescue pup in tow.

I’ve been a Type II diabetic for 32 years now and have had low glucose numerous times in all those years…but as I age, I do not get the symptoms of low glucose until I’m in the danger zone. I made it half way to my home.

My vision doubled and the road did not look like a road. I couldn’t understand why cars were beeping at me. One guy gave me half of a peace sign. People seemed to be very angry driving by. I could not understand anything, nothing looked familiar and I was frightened. Apparently, I stopped the car…in the middle of the street and sat there.

The next thing I knew, there were police officers at my car windows. I had no idea why. I remember a calm voice and tone, asking me questions. I do not know if I was making any sense, but I answered as best as I could. That was Officer Cameron Douglas & his partner nearby, Officer Joseph Peach. I think Officer Douglas had a mask on, but what I was focused on were his eyes & tone. He was speaking to me in a respectful tone, calmly and professionally but words were difficult for me to take in and comprehend at that point. His eyes, though, were easy for me to comprehend, even in my altered state. I am a retired clinical social worker and have conducted hundreds of psychological assessments during the course of my career and apparently some of my skills were still intact, despite my condition.

Officer Douglas’ eyes told me he was compassionate, he was kind, he was my friend and I could trust him. He told me he had called an ambulance (having no idea why he would call an ambulance) and he asked me to take his hand so he could help me out of the car. I did so, willingly.

From there, I was in the ambulance, heading for SHNMC. Apparently, the EMT’s took a glucose reading… my # was 30. #20 or below is death, so I had tanked while driving. This will haunt me for the rest of my days.

Officer Cameron Douglas and Officer Joseph Peach came into the ER with me and Officer Douglas asked my permission to drive my van home for me and get my senior dog into my house. I handed over my house keys. This secondary act of compassion, for my dog, will also have a life-long impact on me.

Low glucose can look like intoxication & can present with combativeness, so I am very grateful for the dignity that both of these fine officers afforded me. My words fall short of the gratitude I will carry for the rest of my days.

This testimony is submitted, with deep respect for Officers Douglas and Peach who handled my life-threatening medical crisis in their respective commitment to protect and serve. Nashua Chief of Police Rourke has assured me that these officers will be commended for serving Nashua with distinction.