I note that a government official praised the volunteers in business; all well and good. I’m sure they save businesses many dollars.

Does anyone ever stop to think about and praise our firefighters and emergency technicians?

At last count, there are approximately 600 fire departments in Maine. Less than half a dozen are full time, fully paid.

In North America, which includes Mexico, United States and Canada, the ratio is 98 percent volunteers.

Wow, what a saving this must be to this many communities.

Ron Grant

Past President

Penobscot County Firefighters Association

Hudson