The raging firestorm surrounding the fire department was ignited by the selfish actions of Mayor Michael Quill, who negotiated the 15-man minimum clause in the contract despite there being no inherent safety benefit.

Since his inauguration, Mr. Quill has shown his true colors. On Monday, March 31, the firefighters had services to honor those who had fallen. During the services, Mr. Quill walked among the firefighters and their families, shaking hands and giving the impression that he was still part of the brotherhood. In reality, he knew that Engine 2 would be dissolved the very next day.

When Mr. Quill became fire chief, he quickly forgot where he came from, and he has done the same thing since becoming mayor. The firefighters endorsed Mr. Quill during the campaign, with many of them and their families campaigning on his behalf. They have been repaid with a dagger in the back.

In recent months, the council, the mayor and Mr. Palesh met behind closed doors in cowardly fashion and negotiated the fate of the fire department and the citizens of Auburn. They have put each citizen and firefighter in extreme danger by eliminating Engine 2, which increases the response times to Seward School, Auburn High, Herman Avenue School, East Middle School, Cayuga Home and Cayuga Community College.

When Auburn High School was originally built, it was under the township of Fleming and the Fleming Fire Department. In order for Auburn to annex the property, it had to go before a judge, who at least in part decided on the basis of response time in the event of an emergency. Without Engine 2, that decision may never have been made.

If Mr. Palesh is truly serving the citizens of Auburn, he will consider their safety to be more important than the almighty dollar.

Michael Vasco

Auburn