Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The Feb. 7 issue of the Gazette-Journal had a front-page item concerning the state of funding for the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, which should be of concern to all Mathews residents.

Unfortunately, the story made some unnecessary comparisons of the MVRS per capita funding level and that of the Mathews Memorial Library. It is my view that the library should have been left out of the discussion, because the mission of these departments is fundamentally different. The library "enhances" the lives of the citizens of Mathews County, while the MVRS "saves" lives.

As an older citizen, I have used the MVRS in critical times, both for myself and members of my family. I know that the shortest response time possible, from the 911 call to arriving at the ER, is important in saving lives.

Short response requires trained personnel on duty at the MVRS building during critical hours, and this is very hard to do with an all-volunteer staff. Unfortunately, due to f...