Mayor Smith's Special Message to SSVFD Members.................................

Following is the full text of Mr. Smith's email to the Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Dept. membership, less his telephone number and email address:

"I want to send a personal message to our public safety professionals, many of whom I count as dear friends.


My family and I served proudly for many years with the Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Department. Merrie and I were proud members for many years. Merrie was a member for approx 12 years and myself for almost 13. I was deeply proud that Merrie was the first women member of the department and helped in organizing the rehab group, and was awarded firefighter of the year. Long before moving south, I earned a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and most of my classmates were emergency services personnel.


During my service with SSVFD I learned many lessons including; the SSVFD, Dare County EMS, and SSPD are truly outstanding and among the best in the nation. I also learned that it takes tremendous motivation, outstanding skill, and tireless dedication to serve, manage, and administer first-class organizations like this. My hat is off to everyone who serves!


This past year we were successful in negotiating the first long-term contract with our Fire Department. It is not a buzzword when I say it is mutually beneficial - it is a fact! Everyone benefits from having our great relationship cemented by long-term strategic planning. The negotiations were not easy and at times they were challenging but that is the true nature of business negotiations. As stewards of the public trust it is the responsibility of the mayor and town council to obtain the best possible outcome for the town. At some point in time, all of Town Council and our Town Manager participated in these negotiations and all were totally committed to the development of a fair and objective long-term, mutually-beneficial agreement and that is what we got. I was pleased with the results, proud of closing the deal with Chief Bob Harvey and presenting the results to Town Council who approved it unanimously.


November 3rd is Election Day and I would like to extend an offer for any member to feel free in contacting me with any questions or concerns they may have. I continue to be disappointed with the false rumors that are going around and would urge everyone to get the facts before voting. I must say that my family including my Dad have a total of over 30 years as members and do not feel it is fair to paint us as anti fire department. We have always had a deep respect for the SSVFD and ask yourselves how you would feel if you were unjustly attacked?"


Don Smith