To the editor:

This letter is in response to the article regarding metering of hydrant water in Lake Linden. Regarding the quote Lake Linden Fire Chief Miller said about Bootjack Fire and Rescue Foundation: “For Bootjack to come to town with a truck, fill a pool in town, and get a donation and they don’t pay for the water, I think it’s crazy.”

The pool was filled as a favor for a first responder. No donation was received. I agree the village needs to monitor its usage and perhaps in most cases charge people who are using it.

Bootjack Fire and Rescue Foundation has provided Lake Linden with free first responder coverage for years. Bootjack has paid for medical training for team members that live within the village and all medical equipment used during any medical emergency in the village. Medical equipment is not cheap, look at any medical bill.

The village is the single largest user of the medical services provided by Bootjack Fire and Rescue. This past year those volunteer first responders were called to Lake Linden over 100 times.

They also have a mutal aid agreement between the departments, which states if there is a structure fire in either district both departments respond and back each other up with manpower and equipment. That agreement has worked well for both departments.

The article states the hydrants were opened over 150 times since the flood. Bootjack along with about nine other departments, worked for days helping Lake Linden hose down sand and mud off the streets in town before the 4th of July events.

All area departments have always worked together and supported each other. We have seen just how the area came together when the flood hit in June. The Hubbell Fire Department and auxiliary stepped up big-time, organizing workers, food and supplies to those in need, including help for many families in Lake Linden.

Miller’s comment insinuates that Bootjack is taking something from the village when in reality Bootjack has been providing a lifesaving service to Lake Linden at no cost for years. That lifesaving service in place of a few gallons of water seems like a good deal for the village. I hope that in the future they can continue to work together as they have in the past, but Chief Miller’s comment was undeserved.