LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Dover Volunteer Fire Department deserves our support and respect

We have recently been going through a complete review of the City of Dover Volunteer Fire Department. A consultant came in and reviewed all the policies and procedures that the volunteers go through and have in place. Did they find some areas they thought could be improved? Yes. Were there areas of what I feel major improvements might be needed? No, there are not. When you look at the fire department and what they do, can you expect there to be some internal conflicts and disagreement? Yes, I am sure there will be. Could the record-keeping of what they do and where they go to make a presentation be better? I am sure it could be. Is this unique to the Dover fire department? I can say, without a doubt, no, it isn’t. I will say, though, that when that alarm sounds and the rubber meets the road, whether it is a false alarm or a major fire at Legislative Hall, our volunteers are there and working together like a well-oiled machine. I want the record to reflect that I support the Dover Fire Department and sincerely appreciate all they do. It takes a special person to volunteer, and even more of one to place their life in danger as a volunteer. Although the data reflected the number of calls has decreased if it were your home, or mine, we would all be thankful that these dedicated men and women were the ones who would respond, day or night. I have had the pleasure of getting to know many of the people who serve our volunteer department and have the utmost respect for each of them. We need to support them in any way possible and thank them for all they do, as well as our police and military.

Bill Hare Dover City Councilman, District Dover