I find it hard to fathom that just one month ago, the City Council and mayor just couldn't find the funds to support our city firefighters and police officers, and now suddenly funds have magically appeared to provide raises for deputy chiefs of the fire department ("City fire chief seeks raise for top officers," July 24). What a slap in the face to the men and women who risk their lives daily to protect this city.

The justification from the fire chief is these raises are needed to achieve salary equity and attract candidates to fill the positions. I am sure this issue just didn't suddenly become evident. So why wait until now? Why not agree to address this issue when the financial state of the city begins to improve?

Besides, I am not sure this will increase the attractiveness of these positions, especially with company closures stressing the system and increasing supervisor liability. Seems to me this is just another poorly thought out plan that sends a very tragic message to our city servants. Let them eat cake!

Patricia Warble, Baltimore