Letter to the Editor

Letters to the editor

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Firefighters deserve better

Dear editor:

I was upset when I read Thursday's article, "Search for chief to be a long process." As a firefighter's wife, I have a lot at stake with the Fire Department and I do not feel that they are getting the respect they deserve.

I can not imagine a more efficient department in the city. They clean and maintain their own workspace and equipment. While the number of clerical staff at city hall has expanded to accommodate the "growing needs" of the community, the Fire Department has not been allowed to add to its staff. They have increased their training, certifications and community involvement with the same number of people they had 20 years ago. The bulk of the funding for safety equipment purchased in the last five years has come from grants -- not from the city of Nevada.

The article is correct when it said the firefighters have asked for several years that an additional person be added to each shift for safety reasons. The current staffing of the fire department does not meet national safety standards. Every year they voice this concern to the city manager they are told that it is not financially possible. However, Thursday's article spelled out exactly what would need to be done. The city has introduced taxes for the purposes of improving roads, water treatment, and parks. Is the safety of our firefighters not a priority?

My heart skipped a beat when I read that the city manager intended to cover shifts with "a retired firefighter." I hope the retired firefighters in our community are not upset when I voice my concern -- how many of them are physically able to don the nearly 100 pounds of safety equipment and tools firefighters carry, and go into a burning building? I am not aware of any retired firemen who attend the monthly training required by Nevada Fire and Rescue to keep its members up to date on equipment and procedures.

The Fire Department needs a chief with vision to lead them through the 99 challenges facing all emergency service agencies." They need a chief qualified in all areas of firefighting to represent their interests while working out new mutual aid agreements with other agencies. If the city is interested in its Fire Department initiating "extensive joint training" with volunteer departments in the county, then there needs to be a chief to organize those efforts. Waiting more than six months to start the recruitment process is unfair to the firefighters, their families and the taxpayers.

Cindy Bullard

Nevada