I just read the article “Delmont firefighters say criticism from council hurts fundraising, recruitment.” First, take out the word Delmont and insert the name of just about any other Westmoreland County VFD — these witch hunts have been going on and getting worse.
Yes, this department had, allegedly, some dishonesty/theft occur, but it has addressed that. What drives me crazy is the first thing just about every politician runs to when funding comes up is, “We pay for the firemen’s workers’ compensation insurance.” What they do not report is that boroughs and municipalities are required by state law to provide this valuable insurance. Many politicians would vote to eliminate coverage in a heartbeat. These attacks on these brave men and women will stop only when the taxpayers say “Enough — take your foot off of their neck and support them, financially and in action.”
Additionally, I’m not a big believer in siren use either, but you can bet those who complain about it will be darn glad when that fire truck shows up when they need it, regardless of how those firefighters were alerted.
Regarding training, these little fiefdoms better be ready to get out the checkbook if they are going to start down that path. People have no clue what a bargain VFDs are. Want proof? Look at the police (vital) or road department budgets and look at the fire protection budget; you’ll see how a town “values” its fire department.
Al Markijohn
Penn Township, Westmoreland County
The writer was a volunteer firefighter for more than 20 years.