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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

In praise of firefighters

A Nov. 29 letter suggested the Spokane Fire Department was nowhere to be found during the worst windstorm Spokane has yet to experience. Chief Bobby Williams responded with a Dec. 10 letter, “Fire crews plenty busy,” that provided information stating exactly what department personnel were doing that day to help the citizens of Spokane.

As chair of the Balboa South Indian Trail Neighborhood Council, I personally know of senior citizens who benefited from welfare checks. Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way in reference to downed power lines and falling trees. Extra personnel were called in that day and many days after to work. They responded to time-sensitive situations and they don’t consider themselves heroes. It is their job.

It never ceases to amaze me how ignorant some individuals can be of the facts when writing letters to the editor. Service and protection through excellence is the vision of the Spokane Fire Department. Well done, Spokane firefighters, for what you did that day and every day.

Karen Kearney

Spokane

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

  • No more than 250 words
  • We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
  • We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
  • With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
  • The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

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The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
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Read more about how we crafted our Letters to the Editor policy