You had to be there

These are difficult times for a great many of us, and we’re all watching our spending. However, there is one item I think we should all give serious consideration to spending some money on, and that is the EMS levy.

Perhaps those who have spoken out against renewing this critically important levy have never personally needed the services of the paramedics or have never had a relative, neighbor or friend who has required the services of the 911 responders for a medical crisis. As someone who has, I want to say it is a heartening feeling to awaken from a serious medical disorder with the paramedics around you administering emergency care.

It only takes needing the services provided by our firefighters one time to recognize that the minimal cost to each property owner is by far smaller than the assistance provided by these talented, well-trained professionals.

Are you willing to risk not having enough firefighters to staff Spokane’s fire stations? Are you willing to risk the life of a family member or friend because the emergency medical technicians’ numbers were so limited they couldn’t get to an emergency quickly enough?

Please, give this issue serious thought before marking your ballot.

Judith A. Gilmore

Spokane