While reading the Sun Journal of April 1, I came across the article about West Paris Fire Chief Norm St. Pierre’s concerns about safety issues and about the fire hydrants in town and their lack of maintenance.

Hydrants are essential in the town and could mean the difference between saving or losing a home or business in case of fire.

In the many years I belonged to the fire department, Ellis Ellinwood, one of the older members, made sure that the hydrants were OK. I have seen him shoveling out a few when the snow was deep during the winter.

I sincerely hope that town officials will realize how important the hydrants are and keep them maintained.

Vance Bacon, West Paris