No to county fire

Dear Editor:Getting rid of the Downey Fire Department would be a very big mistake. During the 50-plus years I lived in South Gate, we had a very good fire department for many years. Then the city was persuaded to give up the fire department and go with the Los Angeles County Fire Department with the idea the city could save money. Yes, they saved money - but at what price? It always took longer for the County Fire Department to get to a home or business. So after a period of time the city wanted to go back "local" but it was too late. The county already owned all of the fire equipment and the city couldn't afford to buy any...so they were stuck. Downey has a good service record and we need to consider what we would lose with the change. Keep our services local. In the long run it is the best way to go. Barbara McFadden Downey

********** Published: August 23, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 19