To the Editor:
Former Middlebury Fire Chief Paul J. Perrotti’s attorney, Martin Minnella, said residents of Middlebury are less safe without Mr. Perroti at the helm of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department. The department is a volunteer organization that has been in existence for many years. Never in all those years has it depended on one person to survive.
These men and women are well trained and risk their lives every day doing the job of professional firefighters. They are prepared to step up in any situation and take command. This is the case with the new chief, Tony Bruno, and his officers. Middlebury is in good hands and will be a very safe community for years to come.
Paul Perrotti didn’t do any more than any other chief. The department won many awards at parades and conventions long before Mr. Perrotti came on the scene and will continue to do so. It’s called camaraderie. It’s the commitment to one’s brothers and sisters to risk and, sometimes, give your life for them and for those whom they serve.
My family has been serving since the 1940s and continues to do so. Any damage done by Mr. Perrotti’s arrest and trial will be repaired. Middlebury, sleep well. You are well protected, and the fire department is standing by for the next emergency.
Thomas Proulx, Middlebury
