Let me get this straight. Single role Paramedics of Indian River County are losing money with this year's new contract, while everyone else is getting a raise. It does not matter how it is rationalized, we are losing money. We did not get our contracted step raises. We did not even get a cost of living adjustment. Now we are being told that we are also going to lose money any time we call in sick. God forbid one of the females of this department wants to have a child. What if someone becomes ill or has a injury that requires recovery time? In our time of need, when we need our paychecks, our pay will be cut. Let's think about this. Paramedics take care of sick and injured people in the back of an inclosed ambulance. We take the patients to the emergency room, where the majority of the people there are also sick or injured. It stands to reason then, that Paramedics may become illand now if we are to call out sick and stay home, we will lose money.

We are not second class citizens. We work hard at our jobs and do not deserve to be treated so grossly unfair. The county wants us all to become "duel certified". Paramedics and Firefighters are both noble and necessary positions, but they are not interchangeable. If a house is on fire, send a firefighter. Send a person who wanted to be a firefighter and is prepared for the challenge. But, if a person is ill or injured, send a Paramedic. Send a person who entered the field of health care because that is what they wanted to do, not what they needed to do to keep their job or be promoted.

The single role Paramedics have experience. They are competent and want to assist and treat the population of Indian River County with medical emergencies. There has already been a reduction in man power at Stations 6 and 11. Is this a sign of things to come? Will the county reduce the coverage at all of the stations? Many of us feel as though we are being pushed out of our jobs, like we are not needed because we are "single role".

We have built our lives around our job and our 24 hour shifts. We endure the long days and the sometimes sleepless nights because we feel it is our calling. We rejoice when we are able to save a life or just help a patient have a better day. We are saddened when despite our very best efforts, we are defeated by nature. Not everyone can do our job. My co-workers are all very special and dedicated people. Don't let us be trampled upon and kicked to the side. Join your voices with ours.

I would like the citizens of Indian River County to voice their opinions. Much of the population has relied on the Paramedics of this county for help with themselves and loved ones. I believe if there was a choice to be made, it would be to increase the amount of competent Paramedics, not to ostracize those of us that are here.

As a card carrying member of the IAFF and a tax paying member of Indian River County, I want to know what both the Union and the County Commission are going to do to stop the injustice. We deserve better. We are not better than Firefighters nor are the Firefighters better than the Paramedics. We are different, and rightly so. How can we not stand and fight to be treated just as well as the rest of the Fire Rescue department?

I remain hopeful for the fair treatment of all the employees of the newly merged Fire Rescue department.

Tamara Monaco

Paramedic