Schweitzer's fire chief not to blame for incident

I am writing this letter in support of Schweitzer Fire Chief Spencer Newton. He has recently been charged with assault by a paramedic working for Bonner County EMS. I am not completely clear on all the facts of the case, but I can attest to Chief Newton's character and professionalism. As to the paramedic in question, He disregarded his duty to safeguard the public by ignoring an official request by Mr. Newton to proceed to the first aid station at the resort from Ponderay where the paramedic was responding from without lights and sirens as there was heavy traffic on the road and the patient was not going to be there for at least 30 minutes anyway. This paramedic ignored the request and passed Mr. Newton halfway up the mountain road weaving in and out of traffic with lights and sirens blaring. When Mr. Newton confronted the paramedic at the first aid station about this, the paramedic told him he doesn't take orders from him. Mr. Newton is the fire chief of Schweitzer fire district, the same district that this paramedic was responding in. Mr. Newton is responsible for the safety of these people.

I ask the people of this county, why are these people over at Bonner County EMS playing loose and free with our safety? They use excessive speed when traveling to a call. (I and others have had near collisions due to this reckless driving.)

Many complaints have been filed with the supervisors and the administration, all have fallen on deaf ears or worse, they call them personal attacks trying to marginalize the importance of the ongoing problems.

I have been listening to the radio traffic for months and know for certain that these problems are only growing in severity. Do we wait until deaths occur? Or do we intervene before that time? Either way our safety is put in jeopardy daily by these people who regard themselves above the laws of due regard. I for one will no longer tolerate these acts of careless disregard. I want answers from our commissioners on why this is not being addressed.

WILLARD PROTSMAN

Sandpoint