Grouping all volunteers is simply ridiculous

I read with great interest the recent resolutions in regard to rewarding Keyport’s volunteers with an incentive program. However, I simply cannot understand how Mayor Kevin Graham can equate the services of the fire department and first aid squad with the duties of the Harbor Commission, Planning Board and the KYAL [Little League]. Their service is appreciated; however, to group all of the volunteers together in importance of service to the town is simply ridiculous.

We must keep in mind that emergencies are not scheduled — they happen in snowstorms, during Thanksgiving dinner and when your newborn baby has been home for two hours. Keyport’s emergency service personnel work day and night, in all seasons, facing the reality that they may not ever return home to the dinner that they leave at the table, let alone the family that awaits them.

If anyone should ever forget what the firefighters and first aiders do, stand for a moment along West Front Street where you will find a small monument erected in honor of Jacob Leyrer Jr., a fireman who gave his life, not just his time, for this town.

Timothy E. Regan

Keyport