Commends Chief Johnson

After reading all the recent publishing in (another local newspaper), I have been quite disappointed with the community that I am a part of. It needs to be fully noted what the Fire Chief has actually done for this department and for the area. Everyone who writes letters to this paper has forgotten how much Chief Johnson has turned this department around. Comparatively, Paradise Valley Fire District and South Boundary Fire District are respectfully about the same size. Paradise Valley has an area that is a little bit bigger than that of South Boundary and because of that, now has a budget that is just a little higher than theirs as well. People have overlooked the fact that the paid administrator position that South Boundary has is the same pay that Paradise Valley will have as well. Over the last few years, I have seen the Paradise Valley Fire District grow to such a professional and respectable department. Chief Johnson has been volunteering since the beginning with this department, putting in well over 70 hours a week without even so much as acknowledgement from most of the community for his hard work and the effort he has put into the department. The area of Paradise Valley would not have ever been in this predicament if everyone actually helped their community by paying their dues. Now with the taxing having to happen, I believe this will allow for a department that will be able to run according to what it should be: state regulations. The department needs the money it gets as well as a paid administrator who knows what they are doing. Chief Johnson, after speaking with him, is the most qualified, respectful, dedicated and professional person I have ever met. He does justice for this department and has been able to turn the reputation around.

Daniel and Deborah Thatcher
Paradise Valley