Captain Otto will be missed 

We were among them, my husband and I; those who were weeping as we watched the silent procession honoring one of our county's very best - Captain Greg Otto.

I could not help but think back to 22 years ago when Greg, a paramedic, would "go the extra mile" and transport the wounded and ill from his emergency vehicle to the emergency room and finally to our intensive care unit at Arroyo Grande Community hospital. Later our paths crossed again when he worked as a fireman at Atascadero State Hospital. We would reminisce and share stories about our devotion to our children and county over our sack lunches.

Once we caught Greg and a bunch of firefighter buddies yukking it up in front of Jamba Juice. We visited and told him that our middle son, Ben, wanted to be a firefighter. Without hesitation Greg popped out a card, sight unseen, and told us to have Ben give him a call.

Then came the fateful day when I heard about his struggle on KSBY news. Soon we were in contact again. So little had changed about him. He was still a fighter, but this time he was fighting for his own life rather than the multitude of lives that he had saved in the county over the years.

No doubt he will be missed. The tears are worth the honor of having known him as one of the most exceptional human beings ever. May his family find comfort in the love of so many.

Gizella and Gary Raymond

Morro Bay