Reading The Beacon story regarding the intoxicated teen airlifted to safety (Beacon, April 19) raises questions of appropriate use of taxpayer money.
I hope fire department spokesman Maurice Luque was only speaking in haste when commenting that the department would not be sending the parent a bill.
If it is found that the youth involved was simply drunk and unhurt, then the parents should, indeed, be sent a bill for the total cost of this rescue.
In addition, charges should be filed against this young man for underaged drinking, public drunkenness and endangering others.
Perhaps some time spent in Juvenile Hall will give him time to receive counseling and treatment for his alcohol abuse.
Contributing to the antics of a drunken teenager is an inappropriate use of taxpayer money. By not holding this young man accountable the fire department is enabling and encouraging his inappropriate behavior and drunkenness.
Perhaps the firefighters really do not need or merit a pay raise since they are so ready to squander taxpayer money.