To the editor:

I am writing this letter on behalf of myself and others in our Youngsville Community who are concerned about the direction our local Fire Department seems to be taking. It would appear it is being destroyed from within by those who seek power and glory for themselves. We have seen some of our best firefighters get fed-up and become inactive. Others are being told where they can go, who they can sit by, talk to, and even threatened with bodily harm if they continue to attend meetings and ask questions.

They are asked to sign some absurd kind of loyalty pledge. This all seems to be an attempt to silence any opposition. A close friend of ours was recently sent a “certified letter” and told to “pick a side”. Who among you thought these outrageous and abusive behaviors were acceptable?

How incredibly sad. Whatever happened to the close brotherhood we have seen in the past? You know, when you used to have each other’s backs.

The main reason for this seems to be over the 65% increase in the Youngsville Fire District Budget. An alternative budget was prepared by the head fiscal officer of our Town (a 47-Year Fireman) and two of the Commissioners.

That budget would have given you 99% of what you wanted with only a 20% tax increase. This I am told was promptly thrown in the trash without being reviewed. I understand Commissioner Lee Ellmauer and Supervisor Tom Bose were criticized for showing compassion and concern for the local taxpayers. Why? I was always told that many minds working together brought about the best result. Fire District taxes in Sullivan County are limited by State Law to a 2% tax cap.

It appears you have difficulty following legal procedures (bids etc...) Maybe that’s why you have a $2,500.00 retainer on a lawyer in Albany and pay him $400.00 an hour to come to your meetings. Most of these guidelines can simply be found on the internet.

Why was a bid accepted for $10,000 to pay for snowplowing when one of our own firemen has been doing it for FREE for years? The same question applies to the lawn mowing. Your lack of appreciation is stunning. Do we really need a $1,000,000.00 Tanker Truck? Why is the ladder truck up for sale?

Many in this Town are living on fixed incomes facing the high costs of almost everything, have seen their fuel and electric bills double or triple and some are facing major medical expenses. They find it difficult to meet everyday costs. Some residents lost their jobs over unsafe working conditions in New York State.

I am sure all of you know someone facing these circumstances. No one wants to lose their homes over excessive taxation and have every reason to be concerned as prices continue to rise. We are your neighbors and strongest supporters. A difference of opinion should not cause this kind of hate and devisiveness. The Youngsville Fire Hall has always been a place for our community to come together and show our caring and support for one another during both happy and sad times. Hopefully that won’t change.

Families who have dedicated their lives to the Youngsville Fire Department are being snubbed, boycotted, or disrespected. Suddenly, their opinions do not matter, why?

There are protocols for running an official meeting. They do not include allowing profanity or telling a concerned taxpayer to sit down and shut up. This power play has caused unnecessary heartache and disillusionment for both current and past firemen, their families, friends, and other members of our community. These men have dedicated their lives 20- 65+ years and some members of their families were there when the Youngsville Fire Department first formed in 1932.

Many also served in our Military and fought for our freedoms giving us all the right to speak up, stand proud, and fight for our beliefs.

Our first responders are our local heroes who volunteer their time and energy. We need more, not less of them. I would suggest you have a meeting with all past and present firemen and resolve these issues and recognize you are not each other’s enemies. You have always fought for a Common Good - “the love and protection of our community and the surrounding areas.”

May God Bless you all and may God Bless America.

Lucilla Calkin

Youngsville

This letter was read at a Youngsville Fire Commissioners Meeting.