Why?

I am lucky enough to live in a town that has an excellent volunteer fire department. I highly value their work and commitment. My family pays taxes for good schools, a strong police department, and other benefits. I always thought that these benefits should include a well-equipped volunteer fire department.

Growing up, my neighbors were volunteer firemen. My brother was a volunteer fireman. I saw them give up sleep, recreation, dates, etc. to protect those that they served. They trained multiple times a week and they were always ready to protect others. I once saw my brother on the roof of a house cutting a venting hole while the house was on fire so his team could save the structure. I heard stories of these volunteers going into burning buildings to save others. They are all brave men and women.

Once a month, the volunteer firemen in my town can be found at the major traffic lights collecting money. WTF. Why do they need money? They are not collecting a salary. When I asked, they stated that they were fundraising for new equipment. I was shocked. Why do they need to buy equipment? Based on our tax levy, there is no way that they should need or want for anything. Yet, they are not getting the support from the town council and the mayor that they need. Instead of whining, these brave men and women are standing at traffic lights at busy intersections collecting money to voluntarily serve us better. 

I am disappointed in our leaders. How could they allow our volunteer fire department to be in such sad shape that its (volunteer) members have to give up more of their time to raise money to protect our township? 

The mayor gets paid. He is the ultimate leader. He decides how the tax levy is spent.  Why doesn’t join our brave volunteers each month? Our town needs firefighting supplies. He should lead from the front. So should the town council members.  We should never live in a place where those that volunteer to protect us have to give up more of their time so that they are properly equipped to safely protect us. The town and its leaders have failed the interview. The courageous and generous volunteer firemen and women have passed. 

Every day is an Interview