Naples resident defends fire district

About the only correct statement in Mike Murphy's letter (Herald - July, 12, 2007) is that "fire departments in communities are a good thing."

All of these fire departments, whether in a taxing district or not, are manned by selfless volunteers who respond at any time of the day or night (outside of full time jobs in most cases) to protect the property of the districts' residents.

These volunteers deserve adequate and safe equipment to perform their duties. That equipment is not free and, most certainly, the vehicles do not run on air!

I find it unconscionable that Mr. Murphy would encourage Boundary County residents to challenge assessments from the fire departments.

Rather, he should try to persuade all residents to pay their dues - it is a small price for the fire protection that it provides.

Moreover, I would encourage all residents to consider volunteering for their fire district. Unlike Mike Murphy, you could be part of the solution, not the problem.

Mr. Murphy lives next door to South Boundary Fire District's Station #1. He obviously has the opportunity to watch the comings and goings of Chief Tony Rohrwasser.

How sad that he has not observed Tony working 10 and 12 hour days on behalf of the department; appearing at the Naples School to present various programs to the children regarding fire safety; working weekends arranging for and presenting training for all fire district volunteers; or spending time on grant writing in an attempt to supplement the taxpayers' contributions.

The list of Tony's activities on behalf of his district, as well as the non-taxing districts, are simply too numerous to list here.

South Boundary Fire District has three Commissioners who oversee Tony and the funds garnered from property taxes.

These Commissioners meet in a public forum every month (the times and dates are posted on the bulletin board at the front of Station #1). The meetings include a monthly financial report prepared by the District's accountant, and the accountant presents all checks for the month which she has prepared for approval and the required signatures of two of the three Commissioners.

I'm sure that Mr. Murphy's attendance at the monthly meetings would be welcomed and would enlighten him as to the true (non-criminal!) activities of Chief Rohrwasser.

Paula Marqua

Naples