Volunteer EMT proud of department

To The Eagle:

I am writing in response to the recent article regarding another allegation against the Cathlamet Fire Department by Cathlamet Mayor George Wehrfritz.

For over 20 years, I have been a volunteer EMT and have always been proud to serve in an organization responsible for saving lives and property in Wahkiakum County. Beyond the approximately 500 calls a year is a long list of state and federal requirements and continual maintenance to be ready at a moment's notice to go into action. Volunteers spend countless hours each month in training, ordering supplies, CPR/First Aid classes for the community, restocking vehicles following calls, safety checks of equipment, record keeping and the list goes on and on. We miss precious time with our families, frequent loss of a good night's sleep and hours away from our employment, many times without pay. And none of the above comes close to the emotional toll that we have to bear at times.

For over 75 years, Cathlamet Fire Department has met the growing needs of the community. Jerry DeBriae, Bill Faubion, and Fred Johnson followed in the footsteps of their fathers' service to the department. Our elections each year are by secret ballot, and they are re-elected due to the respect and appreciation of our membership. Not only have the three of them answered thousands of calls in a combined 90 plus years of service, they have contributed with expertise in business and legal matters. Perhaps nothing speaks louder than Chief Jerry DeBriae's (and wife Linda's) donation of the Cathlamet Fire Hall.

I was saddened and angry by the attack our mayor is undertaking against the department. Several of our younger members felt threatened when he spoke at a fire department meeting recently telling us he was going to make leadership changes. Many members, me included, feel his intentions and actions could put our lives and reputations at risk. Experienced leadership is a vital role for the over allsafety of our members.

This town, this community has received an outstanding gift through the volunteer hours of the Cathlamet Fire Department personnel. It is time for Mayor Wehrfritz to stop.

Carol Wegdahl

Cathlamet