I have always looked up to the Windermere/Raymond Station 7 volunteer firefighters. When the calls come in they leave their jobs, their families or their fun to rush off to some random emergency — maybe a house fire, a car, boat or ski accident. It could be a neighbour has had a stroke, heart attack or fall. They are usually on the scene long before the first police car or ambulance. They deal with life-and-death emergencies.

They are a dedicated, tireless bunch. They train hard, they take extra qualification courses in fire study, first response and first aid.

More than once after a fire, I have seen these same firefighters become involved in fundraising events to help rebuild their neighbours’ homes and their neighbours’ lives. They take great pride in taking care of their community, their equipment and each other. They have done so with wholehearted passion and spirit and they have done so for years.

We have now lost almost all of the most highly experienced and qualified firefighters in the department.

Who is to blame? Well, Jim Sawkins is the fire chief, hired by the Township of Muskoka Lakes to be in charge of all of the fire stations in Muskoka. He is the leader and the one who must take responsibility for this mess. A good leader does not have large numbers of dedicated volunteers quit. A good leader goes to meetings when the volunteers need to meet with him. A good leader motivates people, makes them feel safe, empowered and valued.

Some obvious questions deserve to be answered. What has Sawkins done to lead these pillars of our community to quit their volunteer work? What is Sawkins doing to rectify this situation?

Do your job Sawkins. We want our firefighters back.

Deborah Beathune

Skeleton Lake, Raymond