To The Daily: I just wanted to take a minute and let your wonderful town know of a sight that my 16-year-old daughter witnessed on Sept. 15. We live in Cullman, and on our way back home, traveling on U.S. 31, we saw several police cars with lights flashing. These were followed by a hearse, then family and friends in succession with lights on, and then at the end there was another police car.

It was a wonderful thing to see, amid such an awful journey for those in that line, because the other vehicles traveling in both directions pulled off the road! My daughter had never seen such a thing, and actually asked me what was going on. When I explained to her what it was, she got an odd look on her face and asked me why doesn't that happen here, in Cullman. I told her it was due to budget cuts and other things that I have no idea about.

I'm 40 years old, and when growing up, seeing things like the police escort and motorists pulling over were common. I understand that times are changing, and I'm not being negative about that. I just wish some things didn't have to change. Thank you, especially, to the police officers who went above and beyond the duty that I, as an outsider, witnessed.

Renee Hilburn

Cullman