Dear Editor,
After reading three “letters to the editor” on this issue and listening\speaking to Fire Chief Arbini at two Lima Township meetings, I felt compelled to write a letter.
As in past letters, I don’t do hearsay, just the facts. Just because someone says so, doesn’t make it so. The three letters to the Chelsea Update for reader’s reference:
1) October 10th, Ben Miles, Chelsea Hospital President, Huron Valley Ambulance (HVA) board member, against the millage.
2) October 11th, Derek Klink, Chelsea Firefighter, Local 1889 President, clarifies misinformation.
3) October14th, Tom Demske, Sylvan Township resident, former CAFA board member (2016 – 2024), addresses more clarification misinformation.
Additionally on September 8th and October 13th, Fire Chief Arbini spoke at the monthly Lima Township Board of Trustee meetings, at the September meeting stating the reasons for the millage, returning in October addressing his words taken out of context causing misinformation that took on a life on its own.
I live on my family’s 172-year-old homestead, a “stone’s throw” from Fire Station #2 on Jackson Road. Right now that station sits unmanned most of the time. On occasion I will see activity. That only happens when station #1 is fully manned and can spare personnel for station #2. The millage is to have funds to hire six more firefighters thus fully manning the second fire station 365 days a year. That is the top priority!
I am dismayed reading Mr. Miles’ letter. In it he stated…”The millage on the ballot this November to expand Chelsea Area Fire Authority’s services into Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport is one such case.” The Chelsea Area Fire Authority are first and foremost firefighters. They do have basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. BUT they are NOT paramedics! They assist the paramedics.
I was also dismayed to learn that at the August CAFA board meeting that Mr. Miles, along with HVA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Paul Hood, argued to keep this millage off the ballot. Shameful! I feel they are putting the cart before the horse with this ALS claim when the millage is to fully-man BOTH fire stations 365 days a year. Maybe it needs will change in the future, but right now two fully staffed fire stations 365 days a year is a basic need. Let the voters decide what’s best for them, not bureaucrats who may have a hidden agenda. (I’ve seen it happen.)
Misinformation can cause so much damage. Fire Chief Aribini returned to the October 13th Lima Township Board of Trustee meeting to clear up misinformation when his words were taken out of context and went viral. Because of him doing that, I learned the next morning, two residents who were against the millage did a “180” and now support the millage. Bravo Chief Arbini! Keep up the good work.
IN A NUTSHELL: This millage provides funds to hire 6 more firefighters so both fire stations will be fully manned 365 days a year. That’s peace of mind in case of an emergency.
Florence (Twinkie) Beach
Lima Township Resident
