To the editor:

Regarding the 4-to-3 reduction in firefighters, are decisionmakers forgetting that a Southern Star natural gas transmission line weaves its way through Lawrence? I saw the diameter of that line when pipe was replaced in my neighborhood several years ago. It was sobering. And I witnessed the caution with which it was pressure-tested. I appreciate the conscientiousness of Southern Star overseeing that line. They do a good job monitoring it and maintaining communication with residents. But Southern Star monitoring needs to be complemented by fully trained and fully staffed local firefighters prepared to respond to vulnerable neighborhoods. Keep it at four for our safety.

Mary Pat McQueeney,

Lawrence