Published: April 30, 2008 12:10 pm            

Tool Fire Dept., still a maybe

Dear Editor,

I was glad to read Mechelle McClain’s letter to the editor. As a citizen of Tool I have worked hard to understand the best path to move forward regarding the decisions around a first rate Fire Department.

We have been going back and forth like the “Hatfields and McCoys” between the city, the emergency District and the Independent Fire Department.

After many years one can feel the hostility in the room and it is clear that more could be done to improve the situation between these three groups.

It appears that trust is a real issue in getting the three parties to work smoothly together. I have found that when ever there is a trust issue it is helpful to listen to the other side as carefully as one can and then make the best decision possible and move on.

That is what our City Council will do for us soon. I think they have worked very hard to guarantee us a first rate fire department.

i am glad that McClain gave her opinion about where she stands regarding the Fire Dept. For one thing, I did not know how unsupported some of the Fire Dept. volunteers have felt over the years. That reflects on all of us.

I am deeply sorry if any City Council member conveyed the message that the volunteers aren’t working hard to keep up with all of the requirements and provide services if each of the members is doing this. 

Again, that is why a Fire Dept. Official needs to coordinate smoothly with the City Council to give them this information, reduce their fears, concerns and increase trust between the two parties.

It would be negligent of our City Council not to ask for this information and review it on occasion.

I think it is the city’s duty to coordinate the services between the Emergency District and this Independent Fire Dept. as well because both serve the city.

Firefghters fight fires, city governments organize and monitor how tax payer’s moneys are to be spent and what goes on. Citizens come and voice our concerns.

That is the way i see the roles. No one needs to take the decisions personally.

What is a tax payer that wants a good fire and emergency services to do?

The basic stuck issue appears to be to decide if we want a new land purchase and new building or if we want to continue the City of Tool’s generous rent of one dollar and maintain the building that is just adequate next to the Tool City Office.

I do not think there is a right or wrong answer to this main issue. Certainly buying land at this point is very expensive and a new building is very expensive.

In the future, I am hoping someone will donate a parcel of land to begin the new building dream. I have made up my mind on this issue.

It isn’t the right time to purchase new land and build a new building. The one we have is able to protect the equipment.

I do agree with McClain that it is unfortunate that those that volunteer do not hear enough about what they have done right and how we appreciate that.

Thanks goodness we have hard working contributors like her anyway. They bring honor to themselves by contributing for the rest of us and making the city safer and better. you know who you are. The rest of us, no doubt, are negligent in this appreciation.

It is time to move on thru this “bump” regarding the Independent Fire Dept. We’ve had lots of discussion.

It has taken, listening very carefully to those involved, trusting their motive and information, adding it all up and making a hard decision.

Here is mine. I think we should continue to spruce up the building we have now and continue to get more top notch training and equipment to support the volunteer fire personnel.

We can send the community the very best men and women available in great equipment. Now that I have finally made that decision I can move on to help get this done.

Meanwhile, does anyone know anyone who has a parcel of land the could give to begin out Tool City Fire Dept. plans for an upgrade in our services? What a great gift that would be!

Carol Price

Tool

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.