On March 14 there was a meeting in Allentown regarding the emergency siren in town. I am a member of the community who is concerned about this issue and have had the experience of living on South Main Street not far from the siren.

Several issues have been raised from the meeting that night. One is the importance of the siren to alert the volunteers of the Allentown First Aid Squad and the Hope Fire Company. Another is the lack of respect that was shown by Allentown Mayor Stuart Fierstein toward the members of these organizations.

Mayor Fierstein has reported that the siren is 50 percent greater than the maximum state standard of 80 decibels and that it is a potential safety hazard for residents who could have their hearing impaired (although the borough has not received any reports from residents concerned about hearing loss).

Councilman Peter Pantages was quoted as saying that the siren is a public health issue. I would like to ask Mr. Fierstein and Mr. Pantages, what seems to be a more important public health issue?

Is the health issue the fact that if there is an accident or emergency between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., we have to rely on beepers to alert members without interference in the area? Or, is it a health issue that the siren is a danger to our hearing?

I believe we all know that beepers are not 100 percent reliable and the siren may get the extra volunteers needed in an emergency. Do we have to wait until a tragedy happens to decide that the siren is an integral part of keeping and helping our community remain safe?

Volunteers representing the Allentown First Aid Squad and Hope Fire Company came to the public meeting and respectfully made their comments about the need of the siren to be used. They were able to speak to the mayor about the situation and during the time that they spoke, the mayor showed no emotion and hardly looked up to acknowledge them.

As we begin to welcome more people, I hope not to show them the lack of respect the mayor appears to have for our volunteers and community. It would be nice as we grow to show them the real good nature, hard work and sense of strength between the residents, public officials, businesses and volunteers of our Allentown First Aid Squad and Hope Fire Company.

Rob Rittenhouse

Upper Freehold Township