GHFD Chief Responds
I would like to address the public on the memorial plaque issue and personnel matters that was put in latest edition of the Community News Brief (letter to the editor from Teresa Powell).
The absence of completed memorial plaques reflects the challenges inherited from the previous administration, where memorial records were not consistently maintained or updated. Current department leadership, along with the board of trustees, has been working to reconstruct these records. As current leadership works to verify names and ensure the plaque is complete and accurate, the process has taken longer than expected, but the goal is to properly honor every individual who has donated to the department.
Also questioned in the letter to the editor was personnel living outside the district. Last year, GHSFPD started a program with Western Illinois University that allows college students who have completed the fire academy and have their EMT license to join our department. This strengthens our work force, gives us daytime coverage when our community members are at their regular jobs, and gives the students hands-on experience while they are getting their education. These students are trained at the Quincy Fire Academy to the national standard.
As stated in our fire department by laws on Page 1 Par. 2 'Any physically qualified citizen, residing or working within the district or anyone who would benefit the district between the ages of eighteen (18) and sixty-five (65) years of age may be appointed a member of the fire department with his or her consent. A qualified citizen shall have a high school diploma or GED, not have a felony conviction, and be of good moral character.'
Any further questions can be directed to Chief Mack or a fire department board member.
Chief Isaiah Mack Good Hope Fire Department
