Dear Editor,
I am responding to the letter to the editor in the July 26 edition, by Edward Miller.
I normally don't read newspapers but my wife brought yours home. I read the letter from Edward and would like to reply. I am a retired full time firefighter/paramedic from Orlando FL. Policemen and first responders are not paid nearly enough for what they do. These men and women are very low paid and risk their lives everyday, responding to emergencies. How many citizens respond to shootings and civil disturbances in a timely manner? How many citizens respond to a house fire to save life and property? Putting their very lives on the line?
I have worked as a firefighter for 24 years and worked as a Paramedic for 12. I can assure you I did not do it for the money. However, it does pay my bills. It is not an easy job watching adults, young children and babies die, when you have done all you can. I have seen more death and tragedy in one month than Joe citizen sees in a lifetime. Next time Edward Miller has a heart attack, have him depend on a citizen to come to his aid. See how long that takes.
Bobby Park
Baker, FL
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Police and first responders not paid enough