Wednesday, March 26, 2003

Mayor Brown and council members, this weekend I received the annual Peachtree City Fire Department newsletter in the mail. To my surprise, I found the department appealing to the citizens of this city for more firefighters to increase its staffing in order to meet the minimum level of service.

Why should this group have to use their newsletter as a forum for their needs? Are they not receiving the financial help they need from the city?

The PCFD would not appeal to the citizens if the extra personnel were not an urgent issue. I understand that the financial situation is not what it once was, but we're not talking about dog parks and backhoes here. This is our safety. Public safety should be the top priority of the mayor and the council.

A warning has been issued by our fire protection professionals; don't ignore it. Let us not forget the risk that these people put themselves in everyday. They are willing to sacrifice their safety to protect our lives and property; the least you can do is give them the essential elements with which to do it. Our firefighters need help, Mr. Mayor and council. The city's safety is paramount; it's your responsibility.

Joshua Shelton

Peachtree City