I have seen first-hand their dedication to this community and I know in my heart that we are lucky to have them as our heroes on the other side of a 9-1-1 call. Keeping them together matters to me.

I have dedicated dozens of hours to having conversations with council members, current and former firefighters, fire families and community members.

From what I have gathered, there seems to be a fundamental lack of understanding about the problem they are trying to solve. Even people “in-the-know” have a hard time putting their finger on any specific issue that would lead to some of the drastic changes being proposed. What I have heard, repeatedly, are concerns that this ongoing feud is about control and NOT about improving public safety. Additionally, that responsibility for the situation we are in – the stalled negotiations and the need for updated equipment and upgrading facilities – is shared between the two cities.

I am hopeful for a solution that moves towards strengthening the high-functioning, well-respected public safety asset that has proudly served this community for 100+ years, and away from burning down an institution and this department and starting from scratch. This is the BEST option for the community, the taxpayers and for the firefighters.