To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Robyn Gray’s recent letter condemning the Guilderland Fire Department for displaying a message honoring Charlie Kirk [“Hurt and angry that GFD is honoring Kirk,” Sept. 15, 2025].

Her letter is not only inflammatory, but also deeply unfair, hateful, and divisive to the dedicated volunteers who serve our community without bias or political agenda.

Ms. Gray accuses the department of “MAGA cultism” and questions its ability to serve a diverse community. This is a baseless and incendiary claim. The sign in question did not endorse any political ideology. To suggest that this act reflects the personal beliefs of every firefighter is not only illogical, it’s reckless.

Volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line daily for all residents, regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, or any other marker. They respond to emergencies without hesitation, without judgment, and certainly without asking who someone endorses politically.

To publicly shame an entire organization based on a misinterpretation of a sign is a character assassination of Guilderland Fire Department.

Furthermore, Ms. Gray’s letter selectively quotes controversial remarks attributed to Mr. Kirk, none of which were referenced or endorsed by the fire department. Her decision to conflate those remarks with the department’s actions is misleading and inflammatory. It sows distrust in a vital public service and undermines the morale of volunteers who already sacrifice so much.

Besmirching the reputation of local heroes is unjust and extremely harmful to the community. Her letter is a disappointing display of misplaced hate, especially coming from someone in a public role within the community. 

To the Guilderland Fire Department, please know the community-at-large respects, appreciates, and is deeply appreciative of the selfless sacrifice you choose to make. The community is forever indebted to you for providing a service nobody else has the courage to do.

Kenneth Panetta

Guilderland

Editor’s note: Robyn Gray’s letter ran in the same edition as a news story that included the Guilderland Fire Department’s view.