Freeway Assistance

It is so nice to have the opportunity to award kudos to our police and other protection agencies, so I wish to tell you about a flat tire turning into a pleasant experience. On Nov. 11 about 1 p.m., making the transition from California 23 to the 101 Freeway just west of the Hampshire exit, a man and a woman in another car sounded their horn repeatedly to let me know the tire was going flat.

My passenger urged me to get to a freeway phone, which I was able to do. The space off the freeway was adequate to be out of harm’s way and I received an immediate response when I picked up the receiver. The female voice on the other end asked if I had car trouble, was the car in a safe spot, did I have a membership in an auto club.

She put me through to the AAA at once and then asked if I needed to reach someone else and then she connected me to that number so I could let someone know I would be late for an appointment.

While I was on the phone, a very young highway patrolman drove up and stopped in front of my car. He waited for me to complete my call and asked if I wanted him to remain. I told him it would not be necessary, that I felt no concern. He instructed me to get back in my car and fasten my seat belt, which I did. He, however, remained parked in front of my car until the tow truck arrived. Unfortunately, I do not remember his name or badge number to write a personal thank you. If that treatment is the usual M.O. for the Highway Patrol, I applaud it. If it was this particular patrolman going beyond duty, I thank him and I want him to know that an unpleasant incident became a good memory because of him and the dispatcher.

SUNNY REHM

Westlake Village