I as an endorser of the petition being circulated in Hope, wish to state in an emphatic manner, that at no time was the petition talking about our fire personnel. Did you read the petition? If so, where did it have any reference to our volunteers?
We all know that the fire personnel give up a great deal to help protect us, and the amount of compensation they receive is totally inadequate for the task they perform. However, these are individuals who have volunteered, for which, I at least, am truly grateful.
The petition has nothing to do with these individuals. If you had read the petition, which presumably you did, you would have understood that it was aimed at the management.
Since when does a small district like ours, require a fully salaried fire chief, when the rest of the members are volunteers?
I understand the position of fire chief is extremely important, but in a district this size a part-time fire chief, and a part-time assistant would seem more adequate.
If the position is fully salaried with the personal use of a truck, the chief could perhaps conduct training seminars, or inspections of town properties that are messy and a potential fire hazard. Are the owners of these properties informed?
Before you write a letter complaining of anonymous petitions please note, everyone who signed the petition gave their name and address; therefore, it was hardly an anonymous petition taking a snipe at anyone.
The problem must be dire, if so many people have signed. Perhaps you should spend your time checking the facts, before taking a “swipe” at the concerned citizens of Hope.
P.M. Crystal
Hope B.C.