Wednesday, September 18, 2002

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, affected all Americans and brought fire departments throughout America to the forefront of the public's thoughts. On this anniversary of that horrific day, dozens of citizens of Peachtree City came by the fire stations bringing cards, flowers, cookies, meals and letting us know how much they appreciate us and what we do.

I would like to thank all of them for their graciousness but would like to ask for something more from them.

Peachtree City Fire Department, as well as many others throughout metro Atlanta, are operating at staffing levels that are well below the national standards.

Firefighters put themselves at risk every day. This risk is magnified when there are not enough firefighters to do our jobs safely and efficiently.

I ask that you take time to contact your City Council representatives and urge them to add personnel to the fire department. By increasing staffing we will all be safer.

The loss of life in [New York City's] FDNY was terrible. The fact that manpower shortages in a fire department could cause more loss of life is inexcusable. I would like to ask people to continue showing their appreciation for firefighters year round and contact their City Council person to voice their concerns on this very important issue.

Jeff Felmet

Sharpsburg

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