I agree with your "Our View" article in the Daily News (Aug. 22) that safety lags behind at Ball State University. While I agree that cameras should be installed in parking areas sooner rather than later, my argument and angle are somewhat different regarding the safety of Ball State students, faculty and staff.
I am a member of the Muncie Fire Department and an alumni of Ball State classes of 1988 and 1991. I, along with members of Muncie's city administration and members of the fire service, met with President Jo Ann Gora and a few other administrators on Feb. 2, 2007, regarding the university and the current payment the city receives from the university for fire service.
At this meeting it was acknowledged by all parties that the existence of Ball State University is a great asset to the community at large. The fact that Ball State is one of the largest employers in Delaware County speaks for itself. While I am not a spokesman for an entire group I can say I am grateful for the existence of the university and all that it provides for the community.
The reason I am writing this letter is to inform your readers that a snorkel truck that the university bought for the city in the early 1970s it not currently being staffed. The truck is located on the 500-block of North Tillotson Ave., close to campus. This truck is important as it has aerial capabilities allowing firefighters access to buildings taller than three stories, as well as the fact that the city's other aerial truck (Two Ladder) was to be shut down in March. The truck was recently put back into service, however, the operation and staffing of this truck may not continue. Two Ladder was purchased by the city of 1983 and services both Ball State and Ball Memorial Hospital. It is called to all working fires in our city because of our limited firefighter staffing.
The following information was shared at the meeting. Ball State officials have been paying the city of Muncie $100,000 annually for nearly 25 years for the fire service. While originally a wonderful act, the fact that the university bought the city an aerial apparatus 30 years ago does not help students who are in need of rescue from residence halls or any other fire on campus.
When I was a student almost 20 years ago I never would have had a thought about fires or rescues. As I walk and admire all the growth on campus I feel a sense of pride in the university. Now that I am older I cannot help by see the campus and the people on it through the eyes of a firefighter.
Mark Greenberg is a lieutenant for the Muncie Fire Department and wrote this 'Your Turn' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
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