Firefighter speaks out about new station

Dear Editor,

I would like to weigh in on the discussion of the proposed renovations to the Apalachin Fire Station. I must start by first revealing the fact that I am an Apalachin taxpayer. Second, I am a volunteer firefighter/EMT. I put in the fact that I am a firefighter second as I can stop that activity any time, I cannot stop paying my taxes.

The proposed renovation is no doubt expensive. I am told it will cost the average homeowner $77 a year more than they are now paying.

The reality is that the current station is too small for the current trucks and other equipment. Firefighters responding to a call are unable to don their gear while trucks get ready to move out of the bays. Does this actually jeopardize the homeowner due to a slower response time? No. Does it jeopardize a volunteer who may get injured due to a truck moving? Yes. Does this affect the taxpayer? Yes again as we pay for the workman's' compensation for the volunteers who are considered "employees" of the Fire district.

I would liken the renovation proposal to the presidential helicopter that Lockheed was building. A few billion dollars of taxpayer monies were dropped on this project with nothing to show for it because of the shortsightedness of some politicians. Now the same politicians are looking to put out to bid a new presidential helicopter.

Apalachin voters have a choice, we can pour money into an old building and then eventually replace it or we can decide to say 58 years was long enough, and do it now. To my fellow taxpayers, the choice really is up to all of us. Please consider voting Yes on March 16.

Respectfully,

Garry Archer

Apalachin, N.Y.

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