After hearing about Levy County`s emergency medical first responder`s shocking salaries (starting salaries for college educated EMTs and Paramedics are $8 and $10 per hour, respectively) as well as their lack of basic comforts at EMS stations, the Cedar Key Lions asked Public Safety Director David Knowles what they could do. His response was a wish list for new or gently used gas grills, TVs and recliners for the stations. The Lions in turn are seeking community donations of these items or monetary donations to purchase new. And to that call, the Cedar Key Eagles Club has already answered with a donation of a new grill for the Cedar Key EMS station. In order to have a 12 1/2 minute response time around the clock, emergency medical first responders have shifts consisting of several days away from home and family wherein the station becomes their "home away from home." These wish list items will help bring some small comforts to our first responders while they are on duty 24/7. In addition to the personal gratification our emergency medical first responders have stated they feel servicing fellow citizens, with these donations we hope they`ll feel our gratitude. If you have a new or gently used gas grill, TV or recliner or would like to make a monetary donation please contact any member of the Cedar Key Lions Club or Eileen Bowers at 352-410-3685 or eileenlbowers@yahoo.com. |