Who Want's To Be An EMT?

 “Letter from Middlebury firefighter...

I just finished reading that joke of a [ newspaper ] article about Fredo's [ Half Chief Perrotti ] request. I have an idea for a "fly" car.  Instead of "treating the symptom, treat the cause".

Instead of buying another piece of equipment that won't get out if the firehouse, like the ambulance, Paul should RESIGN!! When he's gone morale should improve and that should fix the "volunteer shortage".

Disgusted middlebury firefighter”

Once again, we have another imaginary firefighter friend of Mr., DeAngelis. Any real Middlebury Volunteer Firefighter understands what the real problem is.  There is a lack of Middlebury residents who are willing to take the time out of their lives to volunteer for the ambulance and this community.  

That is no surprise. You have to be dedicated.  You have to endure some personal sacrifices. None of us were born with fire helmets nor jump bags in our crib.  It is a personal choice that takes a lot of personal thought, before you do it.

You have to put your life in danger.  You have to put your health in jeopardy.  If you screw up, you could be personally sued. You see people at their very weakest moments.  You see suffering, you see death, and witness those who have spent a lifetime together say goodbye. Sometimes all you can do is hold their hands and attempt to provide some sort of comfort, some relief to their suffering.  You are at your best, when things around you are at their very worst.  You attempt to find order in total chaos. 

At the same time, you inconvenience your family. You miss the school play. You miss Christmas Eve. You miss that birthday party.  You have to take a 160 hour course and then re-certify 2 years later.  Who in the world wants to do that?

The idiotic statement that somehow if Paul Perrotti resigned, all these residents would be lining up in front of the firehouse to volunteer is just asinine.  

I have been with the MVFD for 20 years, and I have never met Mr. Disgusted Middlebury Firefighter.  Perhaps, if he or she was a real firefighter this person would have the guts to sign their name.

On the other hand, I know each and every person who rides FD11, and I consider them all heros.  They are Middlebury’s most precious treasure, and I have the deepest respect for what they do for all of us in this community.