This is just another example of inappropriate use of our emergency services and vehicles! This man was not even a Nevada fire fighter. The death of or firefighter should not be more special than any death. We do not use emergency personnel, or employees to honor people, and firefighters, police, soldiers, ems, etc are just people like all of us. I am sorry for Mark's family. But I need to address this issue as a potential city representative. I also received a private message from a citizen, asking me to address this, as well as our girls sports teams being allowed to use our equipment, and personnel. As a delegated representative, I will make sure that our resources are no longer abused.Those with the Nevada Fire Department dismissed Applegate's concerns:
Nevada Fire Department leaders said processions like these aren't a question of cost, but one of tradition. "I would think after 40 years of dedicating his entire life to someone other than himself, boy the last thing we could do was dedicate a little time," said Ray Reynolds, director of the Nevada Fire and EMS Department. Nevada firefighters volunteered to take part in the procession. Reynolds said the only cost was less than $50 for the tank of gas used in the truck.As far as I've been able to see, pretty much every commenter has disagreed with Applegate's position, which might not bode well for her campaign.
"People do provide their opinion and we respect that as far as this department. We will continue as a department to respect the tradition of the American fire service," said Reynolds.
A quick online search reveals that Applegate has a history of disagreements with her local government, including the time that the City of Nevada forced her to get rid of her 30-inch-tall horse Putt-Putt back in 2004 and the time back in October 2014 when she received a $385 littering fine for dumping horse manure in front of Nevada City Hall.
You can watch the entire funeral procession video at this link.