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In October, I received a Woman of Achievement Award for my service to the county as a volunteer firefighter, EMT-B, lieutenant, and treasurer at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.

Prior to ceremony, hosted by the Montgomery County Business and Professional Women and co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, the county drafted a press release highlighting my "county connection." For 13 years, through college and law school, I gave to the county's residents and visitors tirelessly and without pay. And now, the county executive, who so recently used my connection with the county to improve its image, seeks to abolish the organization I serve. That is insulting to me, all those who serve alongside me, and those who depend on us.

My summarized opposition to the proposed fee for ambulance service follows:

Ô Insurance companies will re-coup fees by raising premiums, increasing expenses for an over-burdened population.

Ô Patients will choose not to call for an ambulance at all or will think twice about doing so if there is a fee associated with the transport.

Ô The county has no plan for distinguishing between transports performed by volunteers, in non-county units, and not using county-purchased equipment The county executive has argued (in an incredibly misleading fashion) that all surrounding communities have such a fee. That hides the fact that while Montgomery County residents pay a tax specifically for fire and rescue services, other jurisdictions have no such targeted tax.

I refuse to now to sit back quietly and watch as Mr. Leggett destroys the volunteers that give tirelessly to Montgomery County.

Brooke Davies, Silver Spring