Cabinet View

The proposed expansion of the Cabinet View fire service area is a big win-win for the entire Libby area.

I won't say that the developed areas surrounding Libby have exceeded the ability of the Libby Volunteer Fire Department and the Libby Rural Fire Department to provide service. It would be correct to say help in the surrounding areas is welcomed by both the Libby-based firefighters and homeowners throughout the proposed service area.

The minutes saved in response time for a fire crew coming from Cabinet View as compared to Libby can mean all the difference in saving life and property. And the savings in homeowners insurance for service area residents is enormous.

Unquestionably, the Libby fire department is an outstanding organization, but it took time for it and its volunteers to reach that point. It took years of training and organization.

Cabinet View is off to a good start and they're receiving help where they need it from that outstanding Libby organization. That will shorten the time it takes for Cabinet View to become a significant asset to homeowners and residents south of Libby.

Another reason the Libby fire department has evolved into an excellent, efficient service comes from local support. Without local support, as well as volunteers, nothing survives and nothing develops into a community benefit.

Residents south of Libby have to show both patience and support for Cabinet View. They have to stay involved and informed about the fire service area.

There will be immediate benefits to the expansion of the service area that will continue to improve over time. The cost savings to the service area residents in insurance alone will make the annual tax work while.

And with the present growth patterns of the area south of the city, along with the geography of the area, perhaps a Libby substation on Whiskey Hill is needed too. That wouldn't hurt anything, especially area insurance ratings. - Roger Morris