To the Editor-
I have some personal experience with regard to the professionalism of the Jacksonville Fire Department and their emergency response team. I noted in the recent Jacksonville Review that the publisher made a very detailed analysis of why Jacksonville currently has professional responders rather than a volunteer force and I would urge Hubert Smith to either read or re-read it.
My experience was last January when a stack of sheet rock collapsed on my leg causing serious injury. The 911 call resulted in the EMT’s presence within five minutes and they had everything necessary – including the knowledgeable experience – to perform the life saving treatments on the scene. Not to denigrate anybody in the Jacksonville area, but I doubt an all volunteer force would have reacted as timely and professionally as these fine responders did. I say this with all due respect to volunteers. I have several years experience with coordinating volunteers myself, so I know the challenges of an all volunteer group. From my point of view, the cost of maintaining the professional Fire Department is money well spent.
I would urge Mr. Smith to start coordinating the volunteer force he feels would be comparable to our current Fire Department and see what he learns.
Respectfully,
Terry Moore
365 South 3rd St
Jacksonville OR 97530
mooret115@gmail.com