LETTER: Manpower crisis threatens small town FDs like Grafton’s

To Ozaukee Press:

May 4 was Firefighter Appreciation Day. Grafton, like many communities, has been blessed with countless volunteers who have provided fire protection and EMT medical services for generations.

Increased training requirements, advancements in firefighting equipment and  methods, a growing community and the demands of an aging society have overwhelmed small fire departments. Grafton, like many other communities, has gone to hiring paid professionals to lead and help train staff and provide EMT services.

 When a candidate for the Village Board proposed contracting out fire services, it was an outrage to those who have given so much to Grafton. When Grafton Fire Department volunteers brought these concerns to a Village Board meeting, a board member felt the trustees were being attacked.

No, these were the people who have given tens of thousands of hours serving
Grafton expressing their concerns. The role of elected officials is to  listen to them.

The simple act of allowing a few pictures with a fire engine on a special day for firefighters started this rift in the village, and now it has evolved into a court action.

How does Grafton move forward? The state must find a way to allow Grafton and many other small communities to fund essential services. No one likes more taxes, but EMT and fire protection are necessary to keep Grafton a quality community.

 And—stop the senseless lawsuit!

Bob Meier
Grafton