To the Editor: Because I was a member of FDNY EMS during part of the time Thomas Von Essen was Fire Commissioner, I would have laughed had the working conditions been so abhorrent. If Mr. Von Essen (Feb. 19 article) is earnest in saying that EMS workers are still treated as second-class citizens, perhaps he should acknowledge his complicity in perpetuating that situation when he was commissioner.
During his time in office, the number of non-FDNY ambulances in the 911 system increased exponentially, while FDNY units were removed from the system. A large number of the ambulances going into the system were operated by a company whose owner made large contributions to Rudolph Giuliani's campaigns for Mayor.
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