Residents’ safety shouldn’t be compromised The Independent Fire Company of Belford has been vigilantly safeguarding the lives of Belford residents for more than 77 years. Our members represent the finest the fire service has to offer. Our business is saving lives and protecting property, and we are very good at it. Pat Cambeis’ aggression (letters, Independent, July 3) toward the fire company is misdirected at best. The firehouse opened its doors to hold an open forum where residents could voice their opinions on the proposed use of our hall. After the meeting with our neighbors and at their request, we have opted to seek another leasee. The Independent Fire Company is not enduring financial hardship. Our intentions are to find means by which we can advance our firefighting techniques and equipment. We want to be able to assist the community in many more ways. The mere inference that our building should be demolished is an attack on the heart and soul of our company. Belford and New Monmouth residents enjoy a heavy blanket of fire protection. They have the benefit of being host to an engineer and a truck company. We specialize in search and rescue, residential and high-rise rescue. Attempting to compare the two companies is impossible, and reliability should never be questioned. When you call, we come, we help and we don’t ask anything in return. The attack on the Independent Fire Company is without fact, poorly thought out and unsafe. We believe your questions should be directed to the township, and we are sure the answer is not closing our doors. "At least the township will have a ratable," you say, if the firehouse cannot sustain itself and the building is demolished. Would you sacrifice the safety of the residents of Belford for a tax break? We reside in Belford and refuse to put our families in harm’s way for a ratable. The Independent Fire Company of Belford will continue to volunteer its time and risk our lives for another 77 years and into the future. We proudly serve our neighbors. Charles Wilson President on behalf of the members of the Independent Fire Company of Belford Middletown