Dear Sir / Madam
I am a freelance writer and I've got four books published in the last three years. I am Canadian Citizen just came back for good from Hong Kong on January 31, 2008.
On Monday, June 2, 2008, I'd been to the Fire Station 332 located on 260 Adelaide Street West. I was able to talk to Captain Thompson and a fire fighter whose name was Morris. I was there because I've been seeing a lot of fire trucks and ambulances in the GTA that I found it very unusual. As a freelancer I've travelled quite a bit all over the world, I must admit I rarely see that many fire trucks and ambulances running in the city with the sirens on so frequently. On some occasional evenings, I even saw the fire trucks turned on the sirens during midnight driving on the Gardiner Expressway through my apartment. I was amazed, and sick worried about the fire safety in the city. Hence I have decided to work on a story about this particular situation. For further details please refer to my blog:
http://deepestriversflowwiththeleastnoise.blogspot.com/2008/06/show-must-go-on.html
On Friday, June 6, 2008, I strolled along the Yonge Street and I stopped by somewhere near the College Street to have a sketch by an artist on the pedestrian. I believe I spent almost 2 hours on the spot, there I saw at least five of the fire trucks and ambulances passed by. Again, I was amazed. In fact there was one pulled over right across the street, that I saw a few paramedics using a cot moving someone into the ambulance. I didn't see it clear from a distance but I took some photos with my cell phone.
Around 6:30pm I took off heading south, there I saw another fire truck passing by! I was awfully curious so I followed the truck, seeing it stopped over at 20 Gerrard Street East in front of the Covenant House. Shortly after an ambulance came by followed by a police car. I stopped by the scene and waited to see what happened, in a few minutes I saw a few paramedics came out from the Covenant House, with a cot covering with some pieces of luggage!
Let me put it this way. As a seasoned traveller I'm not easily surprised. However, I was stunned by what laid in front of my eyes, simply because I was expecting to see a patient or someone got injured perhaps. It's all unbelievable! Again I used my cell phone to take photos then a paramedic walked toward me blocking my view in a very harsh manner. I managed to take a picture of him though. In another minute I was surrounded by two police officers. One of the officers 9711 yelled at me in a very offensive way, prevented me from taking more photos. But I claimed my rights as where I located was a public area. I didn't break any law but he wouldn't let me taking any more photos and the ambulance left. Later I was warned by the officer 8995, which I didn't quite get it for what had I done wrong? When I put down his name he asked to see my identification, I cooperated.
To set the record straight, I certainly asked why would the paramedics saving luggage on the scene? Not to mention there were a fire truck, an ambulance and a police car on site. I couldn't figure it out by using my common sense and my knowledge as a well educated writer. What had actually happened in the Covenant House? Who called for emergence service in the first place? Why were the paramedic and the officers so furious? Hadn't they dealt with any reporters or media under that kind of circumstance? What about freedom of the press? I demand all these answers. Details of the crew are as following:
Fire Truck: P5424 / YHI 581
Ambulance: 575 0VZ
Police Car: 5111 / BDBN078
Police Officers: 8995 A Parvin / 9711
Obviously, I am writing this lengthy letter to complain about the way I was treated by the police officers. Besides I would demand all the answers in question for what actually happened on the scene, or I couldn't help speculating it's abusively use of manpower. Since I have all the photos stored in my cell phone, I'm much obligated to show you the images for reference if required. For your information, I've copied this message to the Prime Minister, the Chief of Police and the CTVglobemedia.
Thank you for your time and your earliest reply will be much appreciated.
Yours sincerely
Connie Missipi
