Firefighters Are Not in the Same A/C League as Lowballers

I just finished reading Mike Murphy’s column [“Murphy’s Law: Warm and Cozy, Cool and Calm”] in the May 19 issue. You certainly fired me up when you mentioned in your opinion that firemen are less than professional a/c contractors!

I have been a professional firefighter for 31 years and an a/c contractor for the past 13 years. The a/c contractors could learn a lot from the firefighter profession, especially when it comes down to customer service, work ethic, and getting the job done right.

I have worked very hard building a very good a/c business in my area of Central Texas. All of my customers know that we will do an excellent job, that we are trustworthy, that we will do what we say, and deliver the best products and service that we possibly can provide. My customers know that they can leave a key hid for us and that their homes and possessions will be just as they left them after we are finished.

Firefighters are always concerned about the safety of our customers. We install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors with our gas systems. If we are doing ductwork, and a wiring problem is noticed, we bring it to the homeowners’ attention.

I hire off-duty firefighters to work for me. I do this because I know I can trust them. I know that they will not steal my copper, sell my parts for pocket money, or moonlight on the side off my license.

I don’t low ball bids either. Most of the time I may be the highest bid. But, we still get the job. Mainly because the homeowner knows that we can be trusted to do a good job, take care of their property, and provide excellent service if they should need us.

So, before you start putting firemen in the same category as brother-in-laws and moonlighters, you might want to take a closer look at the firefighter profession. We are one of the most trusted professions in the world.

Mike Westerfield, Owner
Western McClennan A/C and Heat
Crawford, Texas

Them's Fightin' Words

[Editor’s note: This letter was sent in response to Mike Murphy’s column, “Murphy’s Law: Warm and Cozy, Cool and Calm,” May 19.]

As a certified and registered “Tennessee Squire” (I was deeded a piece of the Jack Daniels [JD] Distillery property in Lynchburg, Tenn., a couple of decades ago.), I take offense to Mike Murphy’s third paragraph! Now, Maker’s Mark is good, and I would not criticize another man’s sipping preference, but Jack Daniel’s whiskey is not even remotely close to the negative product description you opined.

And, for the record, JD is not a bourbon, so it cannot be confused with any Commonwealth of Kentucky liquor; it’s a Tennessee whiskey.

P.S. The Tennessee Squire Association was formed many years ago to honor special friends of the distillery and the world-famous Tennessee whiskey. Many prominent business and entertainment professionals are included among the members.

The only way to become a member of the Tennessee Squire Association is to be nominated by a Tennessee Squire member.

Peter Ruffner
Steamfitters’ Industry Trust Funds (NYC & LI)
Seaford, N.Y.

Send correspondence via e-mail to letters@achrnews.com.

Publication date:07/07/2008