The philosophy that taxes are always bad is not right for the volunteer fire and rescue team and our community. We need to understand that our small community has grown very fast in the last 30 years. We are now a suburban community with many more people who require these services. It is irresponsible to think that the population growth that requires these services will go away or that enough new volunteers will step up to serve this increased need. We should be using this time to transition the volunteer system to a well paid community service.

In closing, I want to say how much I respect and admire our dedicated fire and rescue team. These people come to our homes and businesses in our time of need. The requirements of our expanded community have increased so much that you can hear the fire siren calling them to service at all times of the day and night.

Our elected officials should be working to improve this invaluable community service, not cutting funding.

John Shaw

Shepherdstown