Statement from PVFC Regarding the PPD
The Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company (PVFC) has been providing emergency response services to the citizens of Purcellville and the surrounding communities for 103 years. In doing so, our volunteer members swear an oath that affirms our dedication to safety and service, accepting the inherent risks that come with the role. As volunteers, we recognize the need for support from both the community and other agencies to safely accomplish our mission. We respect and depend upon those agencies to stand beside us in response—no matter the time of day or the source of the call.
The citizens of Purcellville have long benefited from the combined efforts of fire, emergency medical, and law enforcement services on our calls. These services are provided from facilities within the town. Rapid, professional response is crucial to protecting the lives and property of our town’s residents and businesses, as well as ensuring the safety of all first responders on scene.
The Purcellville Police Department (PPD) has been a professional and reliable partner in this effort—a vital leg of our response triad. We are concerned that recent discussions about the efficacy of maintaining the PPD have underappreciated the department’s value, beyond just financial considerations. While we understand that town leadership must juggle many complex issues, the current dialogue appears overly focused on the costs of operating the department. It does not sufficiently account for the benefits—or the potentially serious consequences—of weakening or eliminating this essential component of our emergency response system. These consequences could include loss of life, increased property damage, and diminished public confidence in our ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
We respectfully request that further discussions on this matter be expanded to include both pre- and post-response considerations, with reflection on the vital role played by the Purcellville Police Department as a key element of our emergency response triad.
Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company
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