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Dear editor,
Firefighters and paramedics, in addition to police officers, are often taken for granted. We all should show them our appreciation and support everyday.
I recently visited my sister in Lake Geneva, Wis. I have family members who are part of the fire and rescue team there. My niece and nephew are firefighters and paramedics in Lake Geneva. There is a long line of them in the Beaudin family, which is my sister’s married name.
When the fire department gets an emergency call, the firefighters have three or four minutes to gear up and get on the trucks. The gear is heavy and extensive. If there is an injury, the paramedics are ready to go.
I went to the Lake Geneva fire station, and I got a lesson in “gearing up.” My niece helped me put on her fire suit and air tank. It is quite heavy, weighing about 120 pounds. Add that to the fireman’s weight and factor in if they are carrying someone down a ladder.
The Lake Geneva fire and rescue get an average of 1,000 calls a year. There are many dangers. Flash fires can happen quickly and without warning. They must protect themselves while saving lives. They are incredibly brave and selfless people.
After the emergency is over, the work is not done. The equipment must be cleaned. The hoses get hoisted up more than 16 feet and hung to dry. Then they are rolled and put on a shelf. The hoses are 25, 50 and 100 feet long and are unbelievably heavy. If a call comes in, they drop what they are doing and go right back out.
Briefly, I will mention that the Lake Geneva fire and rescue have an airboat that is used for water rescue on Lake Geneva. As it happens, the airboat was featured in a movie called “Chain Reaction.”
In conclusion, I respect all the firefighters, paramedics and police for putting their lives on the line and in harms way everyday in order to protect and serve us. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers everyday.
Connie Smith
Paola
Dear editor,
As you may or may not know, we are facing somewhat of a crisis with historic Russell Field in Paola. This facility has served thousands of Paola youth dating back past the 1950’s and currently serves Paola Babe Ruth, Paola American Legion and is home to the Paola High School baseball team.
Russell Field is often complimented for its charm and “old minor league ballpark feel.” Simply put, we feel that Russell Field is a jewel to our community and a true Paola landmark with a rich tradition. There are few families and local businesses that have not benefited from the facility in one way or another, through having children playing at Russell Field or being a merchant selling goods or services to our users.
At the conclusion of our 2008 baseball season, playing games at night became increasingly difficult and dangerous. We fielded several complaints from opposing teams and umpires regarding the poor lighting on the infield. We limped through the end of the season and knew our lighting was going to need to be addressed in the fall. We had simply hoped for a cheap fix of just replacing the burnt out bulbs as needed. We brought in the crew to do the job, and several critical shortcomings to our lighting and electrical infrastructure were pointed out. We had exposed wires, bad disconnects and poles with wood rot among other dangerous deficiencies. Initial estimates to bring our lighting up to par have been in the $40,000 range. We have a committee of individuals that are dedicated to getting this project accomplished by April, which is when Paola High School opens its season.
The veterans of Paola American Legion Post 156, who have also served our community well throughout the years, have agreed to take out a loan to get this job done in time to serve our youths. Without this immediate action, the project would not have been able to be completed in time for our upcoming jam-packed baseball schedule. Without being able to play games past dark, Paola simply would not have had the necessary field time to get all games scheduled and played. Our committee has applied for some grant money, approached the school board for funding, have an upcoming meeting with the city council, and have a few various other fund-raisers planned as well. In the upcoming days, local businesses will be receiving a letter with a self-addressed stamped return envelope enclosed. I would simply ask that you read through the letter and consider a donation for this cause. Every dollar we get will go directly to the lighting fund loan amount. There is strength in numbers, and every donation we get, no matter how small, will count. Just please take time to reflect on how Russell Field and the Paola youth baseball programs may have had an impact on you or your business.
A grass roots effort is underway to raise these funds, and any individual or business who does not receive a letter and would like to contribute can do so by mailing your donation to the American Legion Post 156 Lighting Fund at P.O. Box 126, Paola, Kan., 66071.
Jeff Johnson
Paola American Legion Baseball Chairman
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