The truth about 'Consequences'
ANGELA RAIBORN

Thank you to the Rusk Volunteer Fire Dept. and other organizations who helped coordinate and present "consequences" to the juniors and seniors of Rusk High School.

As emergency workers responded to the pretend accident scene, the atmosphere was intense. Onlookers watched as the jaws of life were used to pull victims from the wreckage, as the helicopter landed and life-flighted a student to a nearby hospital and finally as the justice of the peace pronounced a young student dead.

The emergency workers' mission was the same as always - to save lives. It's just that on this day - saving lives wouldn't come through use of the jaws of life, the ambulance, or ETMC life flight... hopefully this day, saving lives would come in the form of a message.

And even though this scenario was pretend, the message came across loud and clear. That message would be repeated as students listened to mothers who had lost their children to car accidents and a drunk driver who lost his freedom because of his mistake. As I watched the events unfold, I had a deep appreciation for the job these men and women do.

I left there with a lump in my throat and at the same time encouragement that perhaps it would leave a lasting impression on these young drivers and perhaps ultimately would save a life.

Thank you again RVFD and all of those who helped with this endeavor.

Mrs. Raiborn is the mayor of Rusk.