Misc 02/25/1998 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL
(EMSAC)
ATTENDANCE ROSTER
February 25, 1998
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Members of the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council
FROM: Bob Laird, Chairman
DATE: February 6,1998
REF: Response to Letter to the Editor
There was a recent "Letter to the Editor" in reference to Chief Diane B. Flagg, published
in the Naples Daily News. I do not know if the committee members saw the letter or not.
However, I have written a response (attached) and have signed it as Chairman of the
Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council. Before I send this to the Naples Daily
News for rebuttal, as your Chairman, I would like your approval. Please RSVP to Barbara
at the EMS Office (774-8459).
Thank you for your time.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Reference: Misinformed - Where's the fire?
I am responding to a recent letter in your"Letters to the Editor" written by Karen
Mathewson regarding Collier County EMS.
I do not know Ms. Mathewson or her source of information but it is incorrect. I also am
a long time year long resident of Collier County and for many years have had an
opportunity to work with all of our departments and services and
#1. I do not know of any petty differences between the personnel of the Fire Departments
and the EMS Department.
#2 The Paramedics and EMT's are not being forced to cross-train as firefighters. Many
of the Paramedic's have received or are attending fire training but is being done on
their own time and at their expense.
#3 On the contrary many of the fire service personnel have received paramedic and EMT
training and this training is done on company time and paid for by the taxpayers.
#4 Ms. Flagg is one of the most competent people I have ever had the pleasure and
experience to work with and if I found her toy fire truck was broken, I and hundreds
of others will be most happy to replace it.
Ms. Mathewson - I don't know how you are involved but get your facts straight before
reporting to the Naples Daily News or find a more reliable source.
Bob Laird, Naples, Florida
Chairman EMS Advisory Council