I note in the media over the past few weeks
that the City of Greater Sudbury Fire Service has hired 10 new
firefighters, settled their contract with the
city (basically a carbon copy of the police
contract), and purchased three new vehicles at a cost of
$330,000.
What I find interesting about these events is
that not one complaint from the public has been received, at
least to my knowledge.
However, the City of Greater Sudbury Police
Service cannot even drive their SUV police vehicles because of
public and political concerns about the
cost of gasoline.
As well, the police services board is
questioning the cost of purchasing replacement portable radios
for the police officers.
Chief Ian Davidson was promised more police
officers. Yet he has to continue begging the politicians even
though everyone knows the police service
in Sudbury is grossly understaffed and has
been for some time.
Firefighters save lives, raise money for
charities, and the public love them. Police officers save
lives, raise money for charities, but unfortunately some also
have to enforce the law.
Brian Grisdale
, Greater Sudbury
Editor's Note: Brian Grisdale is a recently retired police
officer.