K.E.E.P. director salutes Andover community

To the Editor: I am writing to specifically thank the Andover Township police and fire departments, the Florence M. Burd School, and the school bus company. During the early hours of Tuesday, Feb.14, Pee Wee K.E.E.P. faced a fearful situation. Upon entering the facility, there was an odor of gas. I immediately directed my staff to move the children into the gymnasium, the furthest point from the odor, and to call 911. Upon my arrival, the police were present and had already turned the gas off . Within minutes, the fire department arrived and quickly took carbon monoxide readings in our facility. Although the levels were not critical, they weren’t perfect and it was determined to evacuate the building. Before I could even retrieve the phone number for the Burd School, the police had already designated that location as a safety site and had recruited a bus to transport staff and children. We already had 18 children at that point and bundling them up and transporting them was really quite something! This could have been a catastrophe but it wasn’t. The quick actions of the Pee Wee staff, along with the immediate response from Andover officials, the cooperation of the school’s bus company and the welcoming arms of the school administrators, ensured complete and unquestionable safety for all. I could not let time slip by without announcing to the entire Andover Township community the esteem with which I hold these groups of people and organizations. We all too often forget to take the time to thank those who not only do their jobs, but who do them extraordinarily well! The school is already crowded enough without having to worry about 18 small children and infants, yet they never blinked an eye. The town officials, along with the bus driver, were caring, tender and patient with every one of our little children ...and with us. These people are a credit to their professions and our Andover community. They are truly friends to K.E.E.P. and to the children for whom we care. I salute you all, but moreover, I thank you. Tricia A., CEO Kids Educational Enrichment Program Andover