CRAIG: California fire

Published 11:51 am Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Our community has the opportunity to learn from the terrible fire devastation in California. We are likely proud to be different from California, but the devastation fire creates is the same everywhere. Milledgeville and Baldwin County are no different.

Public safety should be the first priority for our local elected and appointed leaders. Our local governments must provide the direction, policy, resources, and appointment of the best possible leaders to execute the policy. Our county fire services clearly includes response to fires, prevention of fires, and much more.

As I left the commissioner’s office, I spent significant time with county leadership advocating for improved planning and appropriate distribution of county resources to improve fire services in Baldwin County. The ongoing fire devastation in California motivates me to continue to advocate for greater strategic planning and increased resources for our county fire department and the important services they provide to the entire county.

I recognize maintaining and improving county fire services is challenging because of many competing county requirements for time and resources. A sound, well thought strategic plan with long term financial commitment to support is necessary. The strategic plan must support real improvement of fire services to citizens rather than scores on paper. Real improvement includes services and programs that improve fire fighting, response times, fire prevention, public safety, ancient facilities, water supply, appropriate necessary equipment, employee retention, firefighter training and so much more that our citizens deserve.

Most know that I am a proud retired soldier. As a soldier, I knew how important trained, well equipped, and motivated reserves are when the mission requires. All but two, county fire stations are manned by one firefighter. One fire station usually has no full time support. Our volunteer fire fighters are our community fire reserves. Fire responses require more than one firefighter. All our volunteers are qualified firefighters. Our volunteer firefighters need respect, encouragement, broad training, adequate equipment, and most important … leadership.

While providing and improving necessary fire related services today, investing in improved strategies for tomorrow is essential!

Henry R. Craig

Baldwin County