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Ride fire truck and see the joy, Sparky urges

Re: Sirens are for emergencies, not Christmas, letter by Charlie Viebrock, Dec. 29.

For the past five years, I have had the privilege of riding on the fire truck (as Sparky, the fire dog) through Palm Harbor neighborhoods at Christmas. It is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holidays for me as well as everyone else.

Maybe the sirens are a little loud, but it gives people, especially the elderly, ample time to get outside and enjoy the festivities. You should see all the smiles on everyone's faces.

Instead of staying inside and turning up your music next year, I, as well as Santa, invite you to ride with us next year on the fire truck, because yes, Mr. Viebrock, there really is a Christmas.

If Santa's coming, get out of way; then make sure kids get a glimpse

Re: Sirens are for emergencies, not Christmas, letter, Dec. 29.

In response to the letter starting out, "At the risk of being thought of as a Scrooge ..." Well, that's exactly right. We here in Palm Harbor have seen the joy on children's faces year after year, and it is quite moving.

If I hear a siren and see it is Santa, I do get out of the way - only to rush home and collect all of the children on our dead-end street and rush to a place we are sure he will pass. If you see Santa on the back of a fire truck, there's a good chance your house is not burning down.

'Tis the season. Happy holidays.

Ask not what government can do but what we can do for the needy

Re: Instead of traffic lights, focus on poverty, letter, Dec. 18.

Thanks for a thought-provoking letter. Many nice points were made, but perhaps the best point was missed. Rather than focus on what the government can and should do for us, let us ask:

Did I help build or paint a needy person's home?

Did I volunteer for a community cleanup, assist the police department with its Christmas party, gather toys for needy children, help stock the food pantry?

Did I send hurricane relief items?

Let's all look to the mirror, not our government, to solve our problems. You can make a difference!

Story on house fire shows positive deeds of Clearwater Fire & Rescue

Re: Fire destroys Clearwater home, story, Dec. 25.

Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your story about the Christmas Eve fire in Clearwater that destroyed a family's home and took its dogs. Nobody deserves this to happen to him at any time, especially during the holidays. I feel for this family and couldn't be more proud to see the support it has received from Clearwater firefighters in its time of need.

Months ago, I asked that the Times report some of the many positives that come from Clearwater Fire & Rescue on a daily basis. To my delight, you stepped up and provided residents with something other than negativity toward the men and women who protect them. The more layers you uncover of this much-maligned department, the more great people and deeds you're going to find.

Thank you, and we all look forward to these types of stories in your paper in the future.

[Last modified January 1, 2006, 00:28:15]