I enjoyed the article on the retiring Battalion Chief Tom Lowman. This is a man that truly enjoyed his job, a very valuable resource to the city. He had 30 years of fire experience, with so many in the leadership position.

How much knowledge does this man have to pass on to newly hired as well as other veteran firefighters? How great is it that he steps down so his son can step in. Very noble and something any father would do, but what a shame. A shame the city is losing a valuable resource over a rule that family members cannot work in the same department. I’m sure retired Battalion Chief Tom Lowman would rather have served with his son than to step down and watch.

The city has lost several other valuable employees with this and the married couple rule imposed several years ago. Seems to me in this time of specialized job description and the value of the specialized training the city could use these people instead of letting them go because of family.

I truly wish Tom good luck and thanks for many years of service to this city.

— MARK TRUEX
Salisbury