I read Mike Baker’s letter in the June 24 edition of the Cape Gazette and felt the immediate need to respond. Baker’s take on our volunteers who respond to accident scenes was not only insulting, but he appears to lack knowledge of the issue.
Having been a first responder for over 50 years, I believe I am more qualified and informed to comment on the subject.
The “old guys” he slandered are volunteers who have completed mandatory training in traffic redirection and scene safety. They respond to all types of emergencies, not only to keep traffic flowing, but more importantly to protect the emergency response crews that are operating at the scene.
They respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in all types of weather. They remain at the scene until everything is cleared for traffic, often staying well after the emergency crews are packed up and returned back to their respective stations.
At times, they are faced with frustrated drivers who hurl profanities at them, disregard their directions, increasing risks to other drivers, first responders and themselves.
Everyone who lives in the area understands how the traffic has increased and how some drivers lack common sense. Daily, I witness the complete disregard for traffic rules and drivers who fail to demonstrate courtesy for their fellow drivers.
It’s easy to sit on your couch and criticize others who are doing a job that includes personal risk and time away from their families to keep others safe.
Perhaps Mike Baker should stop by his local fire department and volunteer to help out, since he appears to be very knowledgeable on directing traffic.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
