Homeowner is not crying wolf

To the editor:
    I would like to address an issue concerning the Houlton Police Department. It was slightly less than a year ago that I was pulled over for not wearing my seatbelt. a law which was put in place to protect the people. I drove away with my head hung low and a hefty ticket in my hand but realizing that the officer was only doing their job.
    I am a father of three with one on the way. Just a few nights ago I made a panicked phone call to the local police station. While preparing dinner for the kids running circles around my feet, there was a loud disturbance that sent me to the floor, scrambling for my kids. My 8-year-old crying, I reached for my phone. What sounded like a round of gunfire had shot off nearby.
    I dialed the police department and explained what had just happened. When all seemed quiet I gathered the kids up and took them into a bedroom. I waited for what seemed like forever and no one came. Finally I went to investigate myself and to my embarrassment, found the neighbors having some fun with small firecrackers. Still wondering what had happened to the police, I called. I explained what I had discovered and asked why the police had not shown up. “We were in the area” is all I got for an answer.
    I was fevered with anger. What if it had been actual gunfire? What if my children had actually been in danger? You say you’re here to protect. There have been strict laws and curfews to keep our town safe but when a scared father calls for help, believing with everything in him that someone in the nearby vicinity was shooting off a gun, no one came.
    We want to believe that the people hired to protect and serve in our town are doing their jobs, that our tax money is not being wasted. They certainly have time to pull over speeders and people not wearing their seatbelts or driving with a broken headlight.    
    Is deadly gunfire unheard of in this small town? We know that is not accurate, because lives have been taken, due to horrible acts by mankind. I hope when you read this you take it in with the realization that although it was not an emergency this time, the next call could be. Your prompt attention could save lives. Choosing to not act could cause bloodshed. Do what you say you’re here to do!
Daniel Marley
Houlton