Fire department's new aerial truck needed only to feed pride

Editor:

I noticed that the Martinez Fire Department has recently purchased a new 95-foot platform aerial truck. No cost was mentioned or what the need for such equipment might be, since investigative reporting is not one of the attributes of local news platforms. A cost-benefit study should be a major contribution to the decision-making of any entity trying to provide efficient, cost-effective service to its residents or customers.

Did anyone ask what structure in the county is 95 feet tall (minus the 35-foot curb/structure rule)? At least we can now extinguish any fire that might break out on a water tower, or maybe on cell-phone towers. I wonder how many fires have occurred at these locations in the past 10 years?

It would really be nice to see a report published showing how many structures have been saved from serious or significant damage and how many lives have been lost or saved by the fire department each year before we allow a continued building of new million-dollar fire houses and the purchase of million-dollar equipment.

I believe the elite, wealthy and ignorant residents and politicians of the county wish to have this new truck so they can state with pride and arrogance that they have the most up-to-date equipment in the world, along with the falsehood that it reduces homeowners insurance.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as we turn the collection of fire "tax" dollars over to the government so all residents can "fairly" provide twice as many funds to be so controlled with the same stewardship, frugality and moderation.

Keith Wilson

Martinez