To the editor: In Attleboro, we taxpayers are getting a whole lot more with a whole lot less, and I see different segments of our city finally being invited to the proverbial "table," which is greatly enhancing the quality of life and public safety in Attleboro. On May 13, a celebration took place at Briggs Corner Fire Station to welcome the instatement of a fire truck that has been retrofitted for use by paramedics. We were given a tour of the life saving equipment and informed there will now be a paramedic, this truck and an ambulance at this station, 24/7.

This is a first in the history of our city. Until this point, Ward 4 and large parts of Ward 5 were greatly in need of enhanced rescue services. We met the new fire chief, Scott Lachance, who is a paramedic himself, and his enthusiasm for this new program is worn on his sleeve. What Mayor Kevin Dumas and he have achieved is outstanding. Not only has this life-saving program been instated, but the Attleboro Fire Department has won the EMS Service of the Year for Northern Bristol County Award.

Because of LaChance's changes to EMS delivery, it could be you or your family who has their life saved. Until fairly recently, an expanded paramedic program was not welcomed in Attleboro. As 90 percent of calls to the AFD are for the rescue, this resistance was dangerous. It was said to be "unnecessary." Tell that to the parents of the child who who was hurt at Poncin-Hewitt recreation fields the very day of the ceremony. There was a three-minute EMS response for the child. Tell that to the resident of Wards 4 and 5 who is having a heart or asthma attack. The paramedics of this city have finally been given an official invitation to "The Table." This is not meant to diminish our non-paramedic firefighters. Attleboro has some of the finest in the state.

On Saturday morning, I heard a commotion at my neighbor's house. Unfortunately, the new paramedic truck from Briggs Corner Fire Station was needed next door, but fortunately, help was only three minutes away.

Roxanne Houghton, Attleboro

THE WRITER is a former city councilor.