Letter to the Editor: No business or resident should have to fight for basic cooperation from public agency

As the general manager of VIP Quincy 3, a local business committed to meeting all fire safety requirements, I feel compelled to speak out after a troubling experience with the Quincy Fire Department’s Central Command on May 24.

After a fire safety inspection, I called their office three times on the day of the inspection to request a copy of the report so I could promptly schedule an electrician to address any cited issues. Despite my repeated attempts, I was hung up on twice. When I finally reached someone, I was told the report could not be sent until after the holiday weekend — even though it had already been generated, and I was calling with urgency and professionalism.

For transparency, I recorded the final call using Apple’s iOS call recording feature, which plays an automated notice informing all parties that the call is being recorded. It was only after this notification was heard, and I mentioned a meeting with the fire chief, that the conversation became civil and cooperative.

This abrupt shift raises serious concerns about how citizens and professionals are treated when simply trying to comply with public safety protocols. No business or resident should have to fight for basic cooperation from a public agency, particularly one entrusted with safeguarding our community.

Respectful communication and accountability should be the standard, not the exception.

Hans Holdiman
General Manager, VIP Quincy 3
Quincy, Illinois