On Wednesday, Aug. 31, Quincy Donnell O’Quinn, 37, of Bude, was killed in a vehicular accident west of the Franklin-Lincoln County line. The accident involved a vehicle and a loaded log truck.

As coroner of Franklin County, having served since 1982, I am always in awe when I arrive at an accident scene and find professional and committed men and women rising to the call of duty for their communities.

To our Lincoln County neighbors — Lincoln County fire departments, King’s Daughters Ambulance Service, Lincoln County deputies, MHP and MDOT; and to Franklin County deputies, RRR Ambulance Service, Franklin Memorial Hospital and staff, and all first responders, the words “Thank you,” are so insufficient in conveying my gratitude for all of your services that were needed and utilized at this tragic scene.

Law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulance service personnel and other first responders encounter daily stressful situations and some of these, unfortunately, involve a death. I commend the dedication and prompt action these individuals took in assisting me at the scene on Wednesday. You are all heros in our communities.

May God continue to bless you in your service and may those in our communities lift prayers up for the family members who lost their loved one and the driver of the other vehicle.

Percy J. Peeler

Franklin County Coroner