In response to a previous letter on East Lyme's hiring of a fire chief, while I agree on hiring a fire chief, I do not agree with hiring a deputy chief or the process of hiring (just hand it to them). The town should have gone outside for hiring. Advertised it, resumes, interviews and background checks. Since the hiring I have met with the first selectman to voice my concerns, as have others. Since the volunteers were never approached or notified of the chief’s hiring, the wedge between volunteers and paid staff has widened. The first selectman stated it's a money issue; fair enough.

While he says they are acting positions, we all know come July they will be permanent. He knows chances of getting money to do it right will not fly. The money you save now will be spent later when volunteers leave. A valuable resource gone.

Another correction: the East Lyme paid fire chief has no control, authority or supervision of East Lyme Ambulance; they are a separate organization, which gives the town thousands of dollars a year. It's too bad the town pulled this trigger without consulting all involved. It could have gone a lot better.

While talking to the first selectman we exchanged many ideas. The problem is to do it correctly it's all about the money.

Bill Rix

East Lyme