January 5, 2009
Sardinia Town Councilmember Norm Uhteg said it just right when he responded to new Councilman Dave Montgomery at the December 30 end of the year Town Board meeting. Montgomery had been arguing against the Board voting to send the proposed Fireman Service Award Program to the public for a vote on February 24. “I would rather see this money go back to the taxpayer” he said. Uhteg looked Montgomery in the eye and said emphatically, “This money is going back to the taxpayer”
Many of us realize, and we at the Standard are sure that Montgomery, himself a volunteer fireman in Arcade, that the services of the Chaffee Sardinia Volunteer Fire Company are some of the most critical services that a community has. Volunteer Fireman work on call, all hours, risk their lives, sacrifice family time, and save lives, property, and promote a safe community. Sadly in this day and age, volunteerism, especially in a rigorous and time consuming job such as a volunteer fireman, is on the wane. The future can take on a bleak look. Sardinia is down to 44 volunteers, and not many young people are stepping up to the plate. The Service Award Program, authorized by NYS, will provide some pension benefits to fire company volunteers that meet certain criteria including years of service. It won’t be much, and it won’t cost the Town much. It will provide incentives to existing fireman to remain as volunteers. Hopefully it will help to recruit new volunteers. Increased membership is a solid goal of the program. More members will not cost the town much money. Considering the benefits that Town residents and businesses receive from the life and property saving services rendered by the Chaffee-Sardinia Volunteer Fire Company we believe that this is an important investment that will pay dividends for years to come. After over a year of review and consideration the Town Board has decided that we can afford it, and we agree. We urge you will come out and vote in favor of this important benefits package.
