LETTER: To the McCormick Volunteer Fire Department community

Many of you are aware of the KVR (and WN) newspaper articles, spanning four-five weeks, from a few disgruntled members of the community. They have perceived “issues” with three members of the board (John D., Trevor P., and Linda L.) that, you the community, entrusted the business of the fire department. Kathy H. was welcomed as a board member and the knowledge she gathered for the fire dept. was appreciated. However, as some of you were witness to, her method of “informing” was rude and bordered on the edge of unethical, and perhaps, illegal. Her demands and budget took up much of the board meetings’ time. The rest of the board members continued to try to do the business of the fire department. They were involved in first time grant writing, looking for low-cost loans, acquiring low cost or free equipment and trucks; while keeping in mind what this small community wants — enough manpower and truck power to fight fires in our community. The board also moved forward — as could be afforded — on important training needed.

As to the perceived “obsession” with finishing the second bay of the building. This is a building that has been under construction since 1990s. It has been done, thus far, project by project, as the funds were available (by many members of our community). This was done from the monthly budget of about $1,000-$1,200/month. It is a goal of John, Trevor and Owen to not have to take out an expensive loan to finish it. Once it is done we will have a fully-heated building that these engines, with full tanks of water, need in the winter.

As to the safety of the engines — they are older and require repair and maintenance. After the firemen quit, it was discovered that two engines the firemen used were, in fact, not outfitted properly or legally. The fire chief assured Trevor and John that the outfitting was complete and that they did not want Trevor or John’s assistance and knowledge to get it done. It is now being done.

It was brought to the board’s attention, through audits, that, while everything was in order, the bookkeeping could be tightened up; that is being done (long before these articles went to print). In response to there being $19,000 unaccounted for or missing according to Kathy H.’s self initiated audit: this has already been addressed and agreed to move on with problem solving changes in bookkeeping. This also is being addressed with another audit, which John D. will share the results in an upcoming board meeting when it is available.

One member of the community wrote a five-page response to these one sided articles of partial information. She hoped to provide a balance to these few members of the community, sharing as if they spoke for the whole community. She was informed it was too long to print — in spit of the fact they had printed five weeks of articles on this subject. She also hoped (in response to the reporter throwing out the question, “Where are all these supportive members of the community?” to which she replied, “They spoke LOUD and CLEAR at voting time.”) that perhaps, someone else would speak up or call the newspaper and let them know: there are more people in this community than those few you have interviewed.

At a recent board meeting, Lary S. presented John, Trevor and Linda with a notice for them to step down within three days or they would use other means to force them down. As many of you have seen, this has been set in motion, in the form of a recall. Which entails No. 1: The attorney to put his stamp on their paperwork — only means their paperwork is in order. No. 2: If the stamp is done, they can continue with the next step — to contact each voting member of the community to sign a petition for a recall of John, Trevor and Linda. They need 15 percent of the voters to sign in favor of the recall. Then it goes on through the process of being approved for the recall.

The board wants you to be aware of these activities and will respect your decision if it comes to a recall/revote.

Meanwhile, John, Trevor and Linda are all, or one, or more at the fire station almost daily, keeping the fire station moving ahead. Almost immediately after the firefighters walked out, men began showing up to volunteer. Trevor checked to see what he could do without jeopardizing his retirement. He is able and qualified to train. Owen agreed to be the second set of eyes on the accounting — aiding Linda greatly; and also working towards getting the trucks DOT inspected. Linda implemented better account keeping and scaled back her duties to give more time to her position. John has never stopped leg work, phone work and much travel to gather information and bids; and to educate himself to be an affected chairman of the board. Dean (your newest board member) brought energy, positivesness and willingness to learn and work with the board, as well as mechanical and business experience. The community picked well. John is gathering information to increasing the funds through the mil levy, including what the small increases in your taxes.

In support of these three members being challenged with a possible recall, keep in mind that, through the upheaval of this past year, not one of these members quit doing their jobs. The commitment and dedication, to you who voted them in, shows they are still here for all the community. Improvements are being made (albeit not fast enough for some members) to continue our station moving forward. The new crew has already had five callouts.

If you have time, we still need more volunteer firefighters; or whatever way you can contribute. (even a driveby HI is volunteer support) you are still welcome to, much saner, board meetings to share your realistic ideas and to keep up to date on what else is being done.

If you would like a cope of the five page response to the KVR articles just ask John or Trevor. She will be happy to mail you a copy (on her own dime) to add to your decision making, should this recall attempt go the whole distance.

Thank you for your time and support and confidence in the board.

Sincerely, Sharon McCormack in support of the McCormick Volunteer Fire Department.

Sharon McCormack is the wife of McCormick Volunteer Fire Department board member and interim fire chief, Trevor Pelling.