SPRINGFIELD – Impassable side streets failed to keep Dr. Jackson Williams away from his appointed rounds at Baystate Medical Center Wednesday morning.



Williams, who lives in the East Forest Park neighborhood not far from Gus & Paul's bakery and deli, said he was slated to be at work at 7 a.m.



The pediatrician said he got up early to shovel out his car. Further down his street, however, another stuck car impeded the way.



Williams said the driver of that car was a woman, 8-months pregnant, who was also trying to get to work. The doctor said he attempted to help the woman, but her car was too deeply mired in the snow.



Williams said he then opted to strap on his cross-county skis and make the five-mile trek to Baystate.



"I figured that the quickest and easiest and probably safest way to get to work was to cross-county ski," Williams said.



Williams said he enjoyed his ski although he had to keep a wary eye out for vehicles that braved city roads despite very poor visibility.



"It was actually quite invigorating," Williams said.



Springfield Police Department radio reports advised officers out in cruisers to keep an eye out for the doctor, by then skiing down Allen Street, and give him a ride to the hospital.



By the time police caught up to Williams on Chestnut Street, however, the doctor declined a lift because his workplace was just a short distance away. A snowy Williams finally arrived at Baystate about 10 a.m.

Will he ski back home at the end of his shift? "I think I will try to hitch a ride," he said, laughing.



The Springfield Police Department is offering rides to emergency personnel who need to get to work, Sgt. John M. Delaney said.



Emergency personnel seeking rides to work should call (413) 787-6305, Delaney said.

