I don’t send letters to the newspaper often, if at all. But Measure A on our Newman, Gustine, Santa Nella, Stevinson and rural ballots is so important I wanted to reach out to my friends and neighbors.

As the former longtime Newman Fire Chief, I have seen many rescue situations that involved our local ambulance district. They have always worked closely with our fire departments in emergency situations, and they send people who are critically ill or compromised in their homes to hospitals.

Many of these trips from our homes and roads to the hospital have saved lives, including mine. This year alone, Westside Ambulance took me to Doctor’s Medical Center when I needed them. They were quick and efficient and very effective in saving my life.

And our ambulance has rushed many of my friends and our neighbors to hospitals over the years.

Measure A on the ballot will maintain our ambulance and help it keep providing the services we know and trust. If this measure does not pass, we may only see one ambulance serving our area; and how will it reach us in Newman and Gustine if it I serving someone in Santa Nella? We must maintain more than one ambulance serving all of us.

Please join me in voting yes on Measure A.

Mel Souza

Former Newman Fire Chief