Editor:
I was in the military the day the towers fell. My current career is a firefighter. I also volunteer as a firefighter/EMT. Without fail the uneducated public is quick to support those who work during a large emergency.
When my submarine left port the first week of September, 2001, it was duty as normal. Sailors were treated as a nuisance around the city of San Diego. Upon our return Sept. 14, there was an unfamiliar welcome from our civilian counterparts. American flags suddenly lined the streets. One week prior, we were disgraced, and now receiving military discounts at every establishment in southern California. Why the sudden change of heart?
Emergency responders and active -duty personnel are a proud and selfless culture. We dont ask for help; in fact, we offer it to any of those who need it at our own cost.
Now the southwest portion of Colorado is in a firefight, quite literally. Fellow responders are working through environments much like hell to protect our communities.
I am offended to hear the response from the public. How appreciative they are to us for saving their house, cattle or material items. Where is the support when everything in your lives is in balance? I bet those homeowners in Elk Springs or Weber Canyon would gladly pay a $30 dollar a year increase for the protection they received.
The community perception of the fire department is greatly distorted. The request for a mill levy was not for us! Ask yourselves who would benefit by further funding those who risk it all for you.
Reliable equipment, trained personnel, rapid response. We will be there. Now if only the public could appreciate that even when we are not needed.
God bless all the responders in our community. God bless the men and women in our armed forces. Thank you for your service, always!
Cody Hill
Pleasant View
Via CortezJournal.com
