Can’t pay them enough

Regarding “Russian roulette with public safety (July 26)” and the editorial “Fire safety risk …” (July 27):

To claim that firefighters increase the risks to public safety is moronic. They are not the ones who have reduced equipment and staffing at fire stations. What stupid thinking and false economizing!

Firefighters, as well as police, never know when they go to work whether they will be injured or will not come home at all. They can never be paid enough for laying their lives on the line for us.

The number of firefighters and the equipment purchased and available should not depend on money. Rather, these costs should depend on the needs of the city and fair pay for the hazardous job.

The city could save money for these uses by cutting the mayor’s salary or maybe that of the City Council members.

Praise of the kindness of the firefighters is in the “Russian roulette” article. Support the firefighters by advocating for fully equipped fire stations and enough people to fully staff them. You might be the next citizen who needs their help.

Burma Williams

Spokane