Call to action
Thank goodness for Marion Volunteer Fire Department. Without those volunteer firefighters, Sunday morning's fire at Hett's Repair could have been a lot worse. We might be talking about the loss of a whole block instead of one building.
Marion is fortunate to have such dedicated and well-trained firefighters. They devote many, many hours to training and are prepared to answer the call at any time.
Some bystanders at the scene Sunday morning — and others — question why we have such good firefighters and such outdated equipment.
Most people never give the fire department a second thought until it's their house or business going up in flames. Then we thank God those volunteers answer the call and show up to put out the fire.
Yes, Marion's firefighters are competent and able. But thank goodness for help from Hillsboro and Peabody. They had the equipment necessary to fight a fire of this magnitude.
It bears repeating — Marion has excellent firefighters. It has outdated equipment. That's the message.
We, as a community can do something about that. So many times lately, we've heard "Marion is dying. It's time to do something." OK, let's start with the fire department. They need updated equipment. Let's make that a priority.
Talk to city commissioners Jim Crofoot and Max Hayen, mayor Martin Tice, and city administrator David Mayfield. Ask the city to make new equipment for the fire department a priority.
Some already have taken matters into their own hands. Local firefighters' wives are forming an organization to raise money for the fire department. There will be a customer appreciation day Saturday at Ampride and a retail sales promotion downtown. Donations will benefit the Marion Fire Department.
Any fire is tragic. We're not trying to downplay the significance of what happened Sunday morning. Marion has a great fire department, full of volunteers who do the job because they care about the community. We can repay them by making sure they have the equipment to keep them safe while doing a dangerous job.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
