To the editor:

Scarborough Cub Scout Pack 47 Den 11 meets at Pleasant Hill Fire Station on a regular basis. For the past two meetings scouts have been interacting with the call company and per diem members to become more aware of fire safety and what actions they should take in a fire emergency. We want to thank the fire department for assistance they provide as well as a safe meeting location for our den.

We are so fortunate to have neighbors such as Tom Dedian and Charlie Boettcher who commit their time to the community as fire fighters and their willingness to help train the local Cub Scouts in fire safety and general safety concerns. It is their way of giving back to the community. To me this is what community is all about.

During the training, we got to review in detail home fire safety awareness, the pump truck equipment, and we actually got a chance to operate a small fire extinguisher.

This practice was part of a ceremonial American flag burning at the station. This ceremony was conducted with a rendition of “America the Beautiful” provided by one of our parents, Barney Martin, and his band Coos Canyon. Community service and interacting with our neighbors is so important. This is what makes Scarborough  a great place to live.

Dick Boardman

Scarborough