A few years ago, I was involved in a merger study of Greensboro Fire and three departments within Guilford County. The concept of merging departments was not a new concept within other parts of the country, but was a new and volatile idea within Guilford County. Members of the departments involved were skeptical. They feared the loss of identity and autonomy within their departments.

Annexing a fire district out of business can be costly to municipal taxpayers and those county taxpayers recently annexed. The purpose of the study was to find ways to offset those costs.

One of the departments involved in the study was Pinecroft-Sedgefield, headed by Chief Vernon Ward. Vernon knew that participating in the study could endanger his role as fire chief. Without regard for his position, Vernon participated.

This is an example of personal sacrifice that Vernon will bring to office as county commissioner for District 9. Vernon is the type of individual that we all would like to have representing us at any level of government. He understands the responsibility of being a representative of the people he serves and will always do so with honor and integrity.

Bradley C. Cox
Greensboro

The writer is Greensboro Fire Department deputy fire chief, retired.