Letters to the Editor
Why does Midway Fire keep asking for more?

This is in response to Mr. Stephen Demeter's letter printed in the Nov. 21, issue of the Gulf Breeze News.

I think we can all agree with Mr. Demeter's point that comparing fire service in North Santa Rosa County to fire service provided by Midway Fire Department is like comparing apples to oranges. You simply cannot compare services provided in rural areas to a paid department in a suburban area.

Statistics can always be skewed to support any argument. It should be expected that the level of training would be higher in the Midway district due to the fact that its members are paid while being trained, as opposed to volunteers who do just that, volunteer their time to attend emergency service training.

On the flip side of the coin, Mr. Demeter asks taxpayers to compare Midway Fire District's pay scale with National paid fire departments. You can't have it both ways. I think we all know that as in any profession, there is a difference in salaries based on geography. For example, police officers in a city in New York State earn considerably more than their counterparts here in northwest Florida. Is it right? No, however that's the way it is.

At a time when the entire country is tightening their belts in order to make ends meet, [Midway Fire] would like to raise our taxes in order to increase Midway Fire Department's piece of the pie. There is no doubt that emergency service is important, however it is no more important than education or law enforcement.

The statement that is most offensive however, is that it was implied that the Midway Fire personnel show more "effort and dedication" than other area fire departments. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Midway personnel are paid to get up at 3 a.m. to extricate a trapped person out of a car wreck on Highway 98 or pull sleeping citizens out of a house fire. I'm not questioning the dedication of Midway Fire Department, however we should remember that volunteer fire fighters also leave their nice warm beds at 3 a.m. to provide emergency services for which they are not paid. They serve their communities because they care.

Volunteer Fire departments are the backbone of our country's emergency service. Yes, it is a travesty that the rest of the county lacks sufficient funding for emergency service, so is it right that Midway Fire District keeps asking for more?
Lynne Cassidy
Midway Fire District
Gulf Breeze News provides valuable service

I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate all of the up to date news that you print specifically relating to Pensacola Beach.

I am a local realtor that sells property in the whole metro area, but my specialty area is the beach. I email the articles to my clients and prospects and it really helps them all stay in touch with the island. Most of these clients are out of state, but even my local clients love receiving the information.

Your articles are professionally written, but with the right "down home" feel that makes them easy to read. I have been able to keep up with the property tax lawsuit, the road construction, new hotels, land lease info and general activities on the beach. Thank you for providing such a valuable service!
Tani Godfrey
Pace