27 September—This just received. Posted with minor emendation:

LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE

As with renewing the idea of having local constables [rather than more resident troopers], we now go forward in the same path for full time paid medical services. Trying to improve or alter it further can often make matters worse than not waiting and saying I should have left well enough alone.

There have been recent comments to support a plan for EMS [emergency medical service] coverage with dedicated [full-time paid professional] positions and expansion of services. Bringing technicians and administrators on as town employees with municipal benefits adds to the start up costs. A resident said, having a EMS with this structure would far outweigh the initial and ongoing taxpayer expense.

Maybe, but why change a system that is already working fine and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it? At the present time, a committee has been formed to look at the options. This committee is headed by John Pudlinski and if anyone knows what is good for the town, this is the right person to head it.

I will personally vote for any proposal John feels is right for the town. Congratulations to John for his all out effort in the opening of LVA’s [Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance’s] new headquarters, which is totally deserved for all who work from there, after having to endure their past conditions.

I have had three experiences with the LVA for emergency calls and found dedicated EMTs [emergency medical technicians] capable of delivering consistent and high-quality services when they are needed. The town is very fortunate to have these administrators and EMTs to overlook this service.

I understand the turnover rate and shortage of volunteers. If there is a way to keep the present arrangement, I’m feeling optimistic this committee will investigate and try every possible option and path to solve this problem.

They are located right in town, provide emergency response services and finally enjoying the new headquarters they much deserve from the 100 year old building they were in. Interested recruits will now have this new headquarters which will be more inviting than the previous headquarters.

Maybe the following headline is in Litchfield’s future with a dedicated EMT workforce: Hopefully it won’t be:

“AMBULANCE UNION THREATENS STRIKE IN DISPUTE”

Richard Morin, Litchfield

[The writer needn’t worry, because the LVA, however it may evolve, will continue to work out of the new in-town garage; and municipal (as well as state and hospital) employees are expressly prohibited from striking under discrete Connecticut General Statutes.—Ed.]