Letter: In support of Sheriff's Office presence in LVA building

Right up front I have to admit a positive bias toward the LVA. My wife had a medical emergency that required the Ambulance to Helena. The care and dedication of Bill Frisbee and the entire crew was remarkable.

Regardless of my feelings about the LVA, I can see several reasons why leasing space in the ambulance building and having the Sheriff onsite is good for Lincoln. The ambulance building and Parker Clinic have expensive equipment and probably narcotics onsite. A conspicuous Sheriff’s office may act to deter any malfeasance. Additionally, residents and recent arrivals probably will feel a bit safer by seeing a prominent and more visible law enforcement presence on the main thoroughfare. Finally, the LVA certainly could use the much-needed dollars from the lease.

For the reasons I stated above, I support the LHD leasing space in the LVA building to the Sherriff’s Department. Additionally, Montana State code empowers the duly elected LHD Board with the requisite authority to decide this issue. Specifically, MCA Section 7-34-212 reads in part: Powers of district. A hospital district has all powers necessary and convenient to the acquisition, betterment, operation, maintenance, and administration of hospital facilities that its board of trustees considers necessary and expedient.

I trust the members of the Board and the volunteers of the Lincoln ambulance to make the best decision for our community. I hope that citizens of Lincoln will weigh in; especially, the citizens who several years ago did the extensive ground work to get the Federal grant to build the Parker Clinic. This freed up the old clinic building for use by the LVA.

Terry Spath

Lincoln