Hiring a full-time emergency management coordinator is a good value to both Freeborn County and the city of Albert Lea, especially if they share the expense 50-50.

Many communities, including Rochester, Winona and St. Cloud, cooperate with their respective counties to ensure public safety and adherence to national safety rules, which have increased since the terror attacks on Sept. 11.

In Freeborn County, Sheriff Mark Harig has made a valiant attempt to fulfill the duties of an EMC, but it is a full-time position which also requires a specific level of training to achieve certification, and his duties as sheriff should be his priority.

It is commendable he has made the attempt, but residents of the county and city of Albert Lea would be better served by a person who could devote their entire attention to the job, as well as research for grants to help fund projects mandated by the federal government.

The spirit of cooperation between the county and city is inspiring and we hope they continue to find additional ways to share expenses.