Campbell residents should be alarmed about fire safety

Campbell residents should be alarmed about fire safety
EDITOR:
When a personal vendetta against firemen in the city creates a dangerous situation, the administration must set aside personal feelings and give the citizens the government that is needed.
Recently because of financial shortcomings in the city, the "city fathers" asked the employees to relinquish some of their benefits. The firemen were the first to be asked and they were the first to relinquish the benefits asked. This agreement was made provided there would be no additional layoff of men. Presently, the city has four firemen and a chief of staff. There are three firemen and the auxiliary fireman on layoff status. Since 1999, there have been three vacancies, none of which has been filled.
Prior to this agreement, concessions were offered to the mayor, which would help cut costs to the city. The mayor listened to the suggestions, but turned his back on them. During this time, the city and fireman were in contract negotiations. The city was given minimum manning which left one fireman on duty per turn. Campbell's firemen now work 24 hour turns with one "comp" day off, which prevents them from accumulating overtime.
Being a volunteer firefighter, and then becoming an auxiliary fireman, I have first-hand knowledge of firefighting and lifesaving. I have witnessed the unforgettable site of losing a family of six, not to mention other casualties. This alone weighs heavily on the minds of each and every fireman on duty at that fire scene.
At the present time, fire protection for Campbell with neighboring fire departments is being negotiated, by the mayor alone. Homeowners in Campbell will have no choice as to who will answer the call for help. No longer will there be a Campbell Fire Department. Yet, the recent levy passed by the citizens for police and fire protection is still being collected. During my volunteer fireman training, it was strongly implied to us that the first five minutes at a fire scene are the most crucial. Can you imagine the time that will elapse while waiting for the response from the "hired" fire department?
To all Campbell residents:
1) Make sure you have a smoke alarm and it is operating properly.
2) Be sure to get everyone out safely from the burning or smoked-filled building.
3) Call 911 giving them the exact location and stay on the line until the operator hangs up.
4) Keep your insurance coverage adequate and up to date.
I am proud to live in Campbell and will continue to do whatever is necessary to make it the city it once was.
PETER HRELEC
Campbell
The writer is an auxiliary fireman with 45 years experience and an American Red Cross first aid and safety instructor.
Invest in the future
EDITOR:
I am a 15-year-old student who has recently transferred to Jackson-Milton in North Jackson from Southern Local in Salineville. At my old school, they passed their levy a few years ago, and now they have a new school building, which incorporates grades K-12. It is a very nice, clean facility.
The reason I am writing is to persuade some of the local voters to vote in favor of Jackson-Milton levy that will raise funds to build a new school. Jackson-Milton is a very excellent school district with a promising future, but the building is less than satisfactory.
If they were to get a new school it would be a better environment for the staff and students. With all the technology that Jackson-Milton has it would probably be one of the best schools in the county. Some of the kids at Jackson-Milton have told me that the school roof was leaking and the heaters make a weird noise when they are on. That's why we need a new school for Jackson-Milton.
EMILY BLAKE
Diamond