Following service in North Africa and Italy during World War II fighting fires as a result of raids on Allied forces there and ships in Naples Harbor especially, my father, Joseph Sparks Sr., was the fire chief for the city through the mid-1960s and was instrumental in the development of the department into a statewide recognized model of a professional paid department.

I am disturbed that there are what I call “right-wing nuts” out there and others seeking to “reform” government and cut programs and services on one hand while clamoring that a primary purpose of government is to provide for “public safety” — fire, police, etc. There should be massive support from this element to at least maintain the Fire Department at its current state.

At an outrageous cost of an additional $1 per month on a $100,000 home, this sure seems like out-of-control spending.

An extra buck to maintain current department staffing and help hold the line in fire insurance rates is a bargain. It is especially rewarding to have an adequate response to save our burning $100,000 home or downtown area business.

Officials have no real-world, on-the-ground, hands-on experience needed to clearly focus and distinguish between our city necessities.

 

Joe Sparks Jr.

Albert Lea