It is irresponsible and unacceptable to cut fire department personnel, considering that the most basic role of government is to provide for the safety and security of its citizens. Fire department layoffs will result in reduction of the services we provide. These include remediation of fire and emergency medical emergencies as well as responses to hazardous materials and special rescue incidents. Layoffs will lead directly to company and possibly station closures, which will increase response times to the affected areas and subject our firefighters and the citizens of Lexington to greater danger from fire and medical emergencies.