DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Letter to the Editor
ReplyDeleteHere is some information of wrong doing from within the Salisbury Fire Department that needs to be investigated and corrected immediately.
Enlight of the current economic situation the Mayor of Salisbury, Jim Ireton, gave a directive to all department heads to come up with a plan to reduce their budgets. Acting Chief Hoppes was not excluded from this directive and a "task force" was implemented to work on this project. Numerous hours of overtime were conducted and the task force worked on the reduced budget to present to the Mayor’s Office.
After the possible budget cuts were proposed for the fire department Acting Chief Rick Hoppes and volunteer Deputy Chief Bill Gordy instructed the volunteer corporation at Station 1 to purchase 35 brand new leather helmets at a cost of nearly $500 a piece. You do the math.
Here is the website to get an idea what they are and how much they cost.
http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_574_cairns_n5a_new_yorker_leather_helmet_standard_configuration_bourke_eyeshield_osha/
These helmets were not needed as the firefighters were already issued perfectly safe helmets. This is poor leadership skills on the part of Rick Hoppes and his actions should be handled appropriately. Instructing the volunteers at Station 1 to waste tax dollars in that manor when there is a serious budget crisis in the city is criminal and Mr. Hoppes and Mr. Gordy should be punished accordingly. These actions were done after the directive was issued by the Mayor to cut the budget and the Acting Chief should be held for insubordination and malfeasance in office. I certainly hope Mr. Ireton has the spine to handle this situation immediately as numerous city employees face furloughs and the possibility of losing their jobs. Mr. Mayor the citizens implore you to do the right thing now!
Amen. It always saddens me that when you might see a military person somewhere, I seem to be the only one that goes up to them and says something. They really do need to be appreciated more.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to say to all the Vietnam veterans out there ...."Thank you for your service to our country."
ReplyDeleteHaving lived with a Vietnam vet for 25 years, I can attest to the fact that it has definitely had its ups and downs. But with caring and understanding we have managed to move forward with our relationship. Yes, at times I've had to give more, but when I see and hear what he endured during the war, what price is it for me to pay to listen and care for the right to live in a free country.
I knew people who died in Vietnam, I know many who served and came home "OK". But I also know many who have health and psychological problems due to their experiences during the war.
There is no way I can ever repay these Vietnam Veterans for what they endured during the war and years afterwards. But as an individual and a nation we can let them know that they were not and are not forgotten simply by saying "Thank you for your service to our country" when you see a veteran. As far as that goes, why not say it to EVERY Veteran you see, no matter what war they served. I've seen men that I said that to who were wearing hats that stated what war and what unit they served, only to find out that it was their son/daughter who had served. Just to let them know you appreciate their service goes a long way.
So to my best friend, Vietnam Vet... you never let your country down ... I'll always be by your side to support and help you through ... you were there for me, I'll be there for you.
God bless the Vietnam Veteran and all the men and women who have served and are now serving our country.
Visit the Vietnam Wall and all the other war memorials in Washington, D.C.... it's an experience you'll never forget.
Why are we talking about the fire dept on this Vietnam comment page ? The fire dept dept is not worth mentioning among these men of honor !
ReplyDeletemoron, I mean Anon 8:10 what in the world does that have to do with this video. If you you want to rat out the fire department for something E-mail it to Joe and make it a separate post to commented on. Or do you have something against the vets that fought for your freedom and you are just trying to change the subject...
ReplyDeleteT.C. in Quantico
Where did all the people go that spit and called them names go? We had camaraderie vet to vet. It is good to see things changing even if it is hard to forget. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is a list of vietnam Vets in the area that didn't comehome.
http://norvette.angelfire.com/nietnam.html
The fire dept dept is not worth mentioning among these men of honor !
ReplyDeleteAnd women of honor.
Two words that were never said to returning Vietnam Vets.
ReplyDeleteWELCOME HOME!!!
Thank you Joe for posting this. Thankfully, attitudes towards the military have changed. It's hard not to be bitter about past treatment, though. I was married to a Marine in the early 70's & lived near Parris Island. They were some very fine and brave people who did what their country asked them, during a confusing time.
ReplyDelete(I do know a few WWII combat vets who are still alive, though.)
THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteJM