I live in Edina. On Monday night, we received an automated call. Not surprising — we get them all the time. However, last night's call, sent by our police department, was about a missing child. It gave the physical description of the 11-year-old girl and told us whom to call if anyone knew her whereabouts. I was amazed and concerned, as any person would be, and also very relieved when a second call came through stating that she had been found. Now imagine my amazement upon hearing the police department received complaints from some citizens of Edina furious their evening was interrupted by the calls.

I ask this as respectfully as I can. Who are you? Are you so unfeeling that you actually put a television program, dinner or whatever ahead of a child's safety? Does it really matter that you don't know this child?

MARSHA BARD, Edina