Since last summer we have worked to involve each of you; asking what level of emergency services you expect and want. I am very proud of the community’s hard work and effort in creating the CARES (Citizens Advancing Responsible Emergency Services) long-range plan. We are fortunate to have a community that finds quality emergency services important. Unfortunately, on April 3, we simply did not have the voter turnout and support needed to implement the plan.
As the leadership of the District, we have some difficult decisions ahead; we have operational needs that must be met. Our staffing and training levels remain below national standards, our equipment continues to age, while fuel and maintenance costs continue to rise, and we cannot afford the upkeep of our facilities. Despite these challenges, we must uphold our duty to protect each and every one of you.
Over the next few weeks we will be creating a series of options for the present as well as the future of the Cottleville Fire Protection District. As we move forward with our long range plan we need your continued involvement and feedback.
I look forward to hearing from each of you as we take our next steps.
Sincerely,
Rob Wylie
Fire Chief
