It’s Time to Repay the Firefighters

* Thankfully, most people never have to dial 911 for help in an emergency situation. For those people who have had to make that call, the five minutes or so they had to wait may seem like forever. If you have been in this situation, think about how you would feel if you had waited two or three times longer for the Fire Department to arrive. Those extra minutes would seem like an eternity. The proposed cuts to the Ventura County Fire Department will make the above scenario a reality.

I am the wife of a Ventura County professional firefighter and very proud to say so. Proud because for the past 15 years I have experienced first-hand how much dedication, hard work, training and sacrifice go into being a firefighter. Countless hours of studying, testing and drills occur so they can maintain the highest level of service possible for the citizens they serve.

If you have ever said to a firefighter “I wish there was something I could do to repay you,” now is your chance. Please write or call Gov. Pete Wilson and your local representatives about how the proposed tax shift will affect your county fire services.

ROBIN ACEVEDO

Ventura