VEAL: Cutting county fire rescue budget should not be an option

Published 3:00 pm Saturday, September 25, 2021

I recently read where Commissioner (Kendrick) Butts is in favor to cut the Baldwin County Fire Rescue budget. He evidently doesn’t know much about the fire department budget. In my opinion, he should do some thorough research before he recommends further cutting the budget. 

I’m quite sure Chief Victor Young does not need his budget cut during the present nationwide staffing shortage. If anything he likely needs more funds in the budget to purchase updated equipment and hire additional personnel to keep our departments adequately staffed to continue providing the necessary emergency services to the community. 

I am a firm believer that if it wasn’t for our volunteer firefighters, the fire department budget would likely be double what it is at present. Not to mention, the full-time firefighters could go to other fire departments that are not making budget cuts and receive higher income. Commissioner Butts should consider stepping in as a volunteer firefighter if he wants to save Baldwin County money. 

With the limited number of firefighters they have at present, Baldwin County Fire Rescue provides outstanding emergency services. As a previous volunteer, then salaried employee, now retired, I am proud of Baldwin County Fire Rescue and the service they provide to keep us all safe. 

Thank you to the past and present personnel for the selfless job you provide our community.

Chief J.N. “Smokey” Veal

Retired, Baldwin County Fire Rescue