Lyman and Dayton will consider an increase in fire and rescue department funding at their upcoming Town Meetings, and we hope voters will support the department’s request.

Goodwin’s Mills Fire Rescue has come a long way in the last few years ”“ the former Goodwin’s Mills Fire Rescue Corporation was transferred to the two towns as a joint-municipal department, which was approved by voters in June 2010.

Since then, GMFR Chief Roger Hooper has been hired and an additional full-time firefighter/EMT position has been added. The department previously had two full-time firefighter/EMTs.

With an additional per diem position ”“ equivalent to 183 hours ”“ Hooper says the town would have 24-hour coverage for the station. The cost would be just under $151,000 per year, with $90,600 from Lyman and $60,400 from Dayton.

At a presentation in April, Hooper told selectmen and residents of both towns that the position is needed to allow for 24-hour coverage and quick response times for those calling in with emergencies.

“Right now, we have slow response time or sometimes have no response, particularly during the evenings, overnights and weekends,” said Hooper. “The public expects that when you call 911, you’re going to be helped.”

The department was unable to respond to 22 rescue calls last year due to a lack of staffing, according to Hooper, and had to rely on nearby towns for mutual aid. He also cited the growing need for services, noting that when he was a junior firefighter with the department in 1978, they got about 60 calls per year. Now the get about 600 per year.

Although the economy is still in a fragile state, if residents want services, there will be a cost. And this cost to have a fully staffed fire and rescue department sounds like a fairly good deal.

If the department gets up to five on staff, they will have to be strategically scheduled to ensure two people are on duty at all times. It sounds like Hooper is trying to work within the towns’ means without compromising safety.

While it may seem like a large increase for townspeople, it is important to think about how much it could cost a person having a heart attack or watching their house go up in flames. You cannot put a price on saving a life, one’s home, or knowing that when you pick up the phone to call 911, a local responder will be there as quickly as they can.

As voters in Lyman and Dayton cast their votes on election day, we hope they will consider the proposal’s merit.

Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ

Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.