The following letter to the editor of the Winston-Salem Journal was written by our member Jerry Amos:

The inspectors' side

This is in response to statements by Bobby Haymore and Harold Day concerning the fire-code violations at their businesses ("Smoldering businesses," Nov. 22). As inspectors, we are all trained and certified on the fire code. But as fire officials, what should we do when we observe violations; ignore them? If Haymore's building was to have a fire and we had ignored violations, he would be screaming about the fire department not advising him of these violations and wanting to know why.

Judge Denise Hartsfield dismissed the case against Haymore for lack of evidence because "she was reluctant to see a successful businessman hassled unnecessarily…" What is hassling about noting safety violations and then following up on those violations to ensure compliance? Haymore had options; he could have reduced his storage to less than 12 feet high.

As an engine-company officer, I take offense with why these gentlemen want the engine companies back to doing inspections. I guess they think we would ignore the fire code or choose not to enforce it.

We don't treat business owners as criminals or as if they're stupid; on the contrary, most responsible business owners I have been in contact with over the last 22 years as an inspector are willing to comply after I explain the violations to them and offer suggestions as to how to correct these violations.

Haymore should also remember, even though he has never had a fire, the chief design engineer of the Titanic thought his ship was unsinkable.

JERRY L. AMOS

CAPTAIN, WINSTON-SALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT

Walkertown