Inappropriate cartoon

This letter is to express my opinion concerning your inappropriate cartoon you published in the April 12 paper with your portrayal of the Whitefish Fire Department.

You showed one member of the fire department as a corncob-smoking hick and the others as uneducated, miscommunicated rookies. This is completely disrespectful.

First of all, the member that was in operation of the hovercraft that day was completely competent in operations. On research, this type of accident has happened frequently, and fortunately this one, unlike others, did not result in any injuries or worse, a firefighter killed.

Whitefish Fire Department personnel put in countless hours of volunteer and overtime serving the community. We put aside our families for the moment and place ourselves in potentially dangerous situations.

When not out serving the community, we are training for the thousands of various types of emergencies that can happen to anyone or their family.

I have been a proud member of the Whitefish Fire Department for more than three years. I have full confidence in the paid professional staff along with all the volunteers. We are a professional fire department and ask for the respect.

Sarah Peterson, president

Whitefish Volunteer Fire Department Board