Local taxes pay for local fire protection

I have written in support of our Muskoka's Volunteer Firefighters. We regularly visit fundraisers, and laud the work they do on land, and in the water. Our firefighters respond to all events from accidents, to drownings, to fires. They also educate the public, and entertain the kids, teaching them about fire safety.
After a protest by local volunteer firefighters, I wrote about our municipal infrastructure here:

Muskoka Lakes Firefighters

The Banner now reports: Firefighters’ concerns being addressed, says CAO Walt Schmid

SOUTH MUSKOKA - A protest by Muskoka Lakes firefighters last month won’t go unanswered, according to township management staff."
and goes on to say that the Township of Muskoka Lakes will spend $3,500 of its hard-won budget, after requests to cut its budget by $10,000, and firefighters protesting their lack of support as volunteers. All of this, of course, to be ready for the G8 Summit.

One would hope that their concerns will be addressed! As a taxpayer, I know that our volunteers, while they drove vehicles to the local municipal office for the protest, they were at the ready, as they always are, to attend to a fire at a moments notice. It would be nice if we had helicopters, in our location!

Then the reporter goes on to ask if the firefighters will face consequences? What crap. These folks are hardworking VOLUNTEERS. They have no recourse, when their volunteer work is being impacted by budget cuts.

I have seen them at work. I have the video to prove it! EMS Rescue Attempt - Bala Falls, Ontario 

Both at local fires and at incidents like the horrible Bala Falls drowings. They were as weary as the full-salaried EMS teams.

Imagine my surprise when Moose FM reports:
Muskoka Lakes Firefighters "At The Ready" During G8
 MooseFM attended yesterday's council meeting, and reports that "councilor Brian Hare suggested the money could be spent on the purchase of fire department bunker suits instead", but others disagreed.

Of course, we'll have to be at the ready. No question. Firefighters will have to be on standby alert in Port Carling during the G8. Lots could go wrong for both locals, tourists and G8 visitors. But why isn't the Federal government undertaking these costs? They are the ones who refuse to allow reasonable tax deductions for our volunteer firefighters. It is part of the cost of tourism, and being prepared. Again, I question the cost of the G8 to Muskoka and its taxpayers.