Re Volunteer Firefighters

Fletcher Young | Mar 08, 2023

The column in the Feb. 9 issue of the Frontenac News “Denbigh Fire Station My Close” by Craig Bakay really got me going.

What is the bureaucratic system attempting to do to our rural communities.?

Fact, we cannot afford full time fire fighters. Fact, we as volunteers do not have the time to take months long courses to be “certified” whatever that means. Most have jobs and families!!

I became a volunteer fire fighter in 2005 at the age of 58, after I retired. I wanted to serve the community I love and help those in need. I met some great people and established long lasting friendships and have great respect for those who trained and guided us in our endeavours.

I took a book home and studied about fire, its prevention, and so on.

I took advice and guidance from those who had the experience and we always had the safety of ourselves and others as a first priority.

Most had full-time jobs and families they had to go home to.

Every volunteer fire department in our area is now in jeopardy due to asinine regulations and don’t give me the spiel about liability. It is bull. Instead, look at how many lawsuits have been launched in the community against our fire departments over the last 30 years.

Most of our citizens are glad and grateful for our firefighters.

What happens if Mountain Grove closes their fire station? Your insurance rates will go up dramatically. Your personal safety will be compromised.

Everyone in our rural communities have had to band together to make sure those dumb regulations do not result in the loss of fire coverage in your area.

And I haven’t even touched on the importance of medical calls. With the ambulance service in dire straits, your firefighter will be the first at your door to help.