Fire service is about safety, not politics

I read with dismay the recent guest column by Pat Devaney, the president of the statewide firefighters association, about the lack of openness in Barrington fire district talks. My family chose Barrington as our home for many good reasons. We have great schools, magnificent neighborhoods and terrific village services. Now I’m led to believe that our village fire department may well be dismantled without an opportunity for me to express my family’s opinions.

The bottom line for fire and police protection is the safety of the people who live in a community. I would hope the elected officials who serve us at the village hall think long and hard about any attempts to split our fire department into two agencies. I really don’t care about any petty arguments between and among politicians. My priority is the safety of my family. I would hope our elected officials understand I am in the majority when I express that priority.

David Crosson

Barrington