How could this be allowed to happen?

Former warden calls on politicians to reconsider closing Greenwich Fire Department

Dear mayor, deputy mayor and councillors of the Municipality of the County of Kings County,

It is with deep disappointment that I feel the need to write you regarding the Greenwich Fire Department and strongly insist that you reconsider council’s decision to shut down this vital service.

Kings County fire departments have a commitment to excellence, integrity, and honesty to the communities they serve. This commitment is internationally recognized, and I can personally attest to having conversations with firefighters while in Boston and being honoured to hear that Kings County fire departments are a model of excellence throughout North America.

I have worked with fire departments for over 25 years in Kings County. Past councils have respected and worked very hard at building relationships with all fire departments. It is troubling to think of all the hard work that went into building these relationships, and, with one decision, this trust could be broken. This is particularly troubling as the decision to shut down the Greenwich Fire Department not only disrespects that department, the firefighters and their families, but also disrespects the constituents in the area who value and benefit from that service.

The key question that I keep coming back to is, how could this happen if adequate community consultation took place, and an informed decision was made?

While I was in council, it was protocol for all new councillors to be provided information under the Municipal Government Act and Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities that stipulates their responsibilities as councillors to stay informed on concerns facing the greater community. Best practices would include regularly speaking with constituents, keeping informed of all active issues, and advising constituents of any issues that may impact the communities in Kings County.

It is my understanding that a councillor asked for this decision of council to be taken to the public for consultation and that request was declined. It is incomprehensible why council would refuse to receive more information and hear from the Greenwich community, the exact community that would be directly impacted. This only leads to more questions:

• Has everyone directly and indirectly impacted by council’s decision been given a fair opportunity to present their voice and evidence for consideration?

• If a review was completed and recognized that a new department needed to be built in Greenwich, why would council make the decision to close a community fire department without consulting the community?

• What time pressures could justify such a blatant disregard for the resident of Kings County?

As you read this letter, your volunteer fire service is on call, like every other day and night, ready at a moment’s notice to put their lives in danger to keep you and the residents of Kings County safe. The value and commitment that roughly 40 volunteers make 365 days a year cannot be adequately expressed in this letter.

I urge you to take swift action and reconsider your decision to shut down the Greenwich Fire Department and immediately hear from the community directly. The money the Kings County pays for this incredible service is a fraction of what other areas pay for theirs.

After all that is going on in the world, now more than ever must we respect and exercise our democratic process. Only then, can you as decision-makers have the information you need to make an educated and informed decision.