Buckfield needs to have a special town meeting devoted solely to the Buckfield Rescue Department. Here is why:

The Rescue Department, like the Fire Department, is different from all other town departments. It responds to medical emergencies and provides potentially life-saving care.

Residents need to be very cautious before they make any drastic changes, such as the 30 percent reduction in the Rescue budget supported by the vote at the regular town meeting. People also want to be sure that they are fully informed about all the ins and outs.

The situation is so complicated — there is not enough space here to explain it. But, it is safe to say that there is a danger of losing the town’s trained EMT responders on nights and weekends, and the town may be in danger of losing the rescue service altogether. But, the average taxpayer in the town would save $61.

Like I said, this is complicated. A special town meeting is needed to lay this out for residents so they can make an informed decision.

Pat Ledlie, Buckfield