District 15 should focus on local needs

Posted Sunday in response to the article "Medals headed to Sandy Hook" published April 23.

Just my opinion but - I found out about this story while responding to a mutual aid call for Winlock at 2 a.m.. I would think taking care of your own should be the first priority of any local fire district and its management.

Winlock is threatening to pull out of the "Interlocal" because of cost and they question how it’s being managed. At the same time, the Winlock fire department "used its own funds to commission one medal each for the families". And, raised the money for representatives (the Penningtons) to go to Newtown to present the medals.

I understand all the hype and publicity surrounding the Sandy Hook shootings and I empathize with what they’re going through and the loss that occurred there. It was a tragedy. However, how is making them honorary firemen and giving their families medals doing anything to actually help anyone?

Maybe the money would provide some relief to them - but paying for a trip and medals seems a bit hypocritical considering what’s going on with support for their own local constituents.

(Note: This submission was edited for format and typography, though not heavily.)