5 initially appointed appointed as Albion fire commissioners all bring needed expertise

Editor:

The Village of Albion took a step forward when they determined that the towns of Albionand Gaines as well as the village must join together and create a fire district.  I commend all of the board members for having the vision and the initiative to put forward a plan that will, in the end,  best serve the needs of the residents of all three communities.

It is important that we have the best people serving as the initial Board of Fire Commissioners.  We need people who have experience in not just understanding how a fire department works, and the needs of firefighters, but also have the necessary skills and abilities to work together.

The five people appointed by the boards of the towns of Gaines and Albion as well as the village all appear to have the experience needed to accomplish the goal of getting the district off to a solid start. While some may not have a background in the fire department they each bring a great set of skills.

Al Cheverie and Jeremy Babcock have been long-term firefighters in the Albion Fire Department. Gary Mufford has been a Fire Commissioner for the Town of Barre for 15 years.  Chuck Nesbitt, former Chief Administrative Officer for Orleans County, has the expertise needed to secure the necessary funding for the district (through grants, etc.) and will understand how the district itself will fit within the county.  Dave Buczek brings experience and knowledge in dealing with emergency situations and handling people during such situations. All are great choices to handle the creation of this fire district.

Town of Albion Supervisor Richard Remley was quoted saying, “The quality of the person is more important to me than the residence” and I agree.

It would be a disservice to the communities to appoint people to these positions who do not have the necessary skills or who are unwilling to listen to any voice but their own.

The boards have given the communities a great opportunity, let’s not throw it away.

Sandra Walter

Village of Albion