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 Today 14 of the city's 15 battalion chiefs started circulating a petition speaking out against the proposed budget cuts.
The battalion chiefs say the staff cuts are unsafe and Fire Chief John Caufield explains the reason for the cutbacks. Caufield says, “I believe that mostly this comes down to job cuts, I really do.”
Over the next four years, 20 positions will be eliminated in the fire department. “I'm not happy about it but I’ve been tasked with figuring out how to do more with less.”
The chief says the new plan is used across the country and he has the utmost confidence in it. He says right now there are some big flaws in our system, like the fact that there are nine fire trucks with only two people on them. He says that's unsafe. The new plan calls for at least four on a truck but the 14 battalion chiefs that signed the petition don't agree.
“Am I concerned with their lack of understanding of this system; yes I am because this plan has been put out and explained.”
The chief says the data speaks for itself. He says the union members are just worried about losing their jobs but the union says his new plan is dangerous.
Union President Jim McTiernan says reducing personnel by 10 percent and reducing fire apparatus by 20 percent, will result in problems.
“Ultimately, I’m waiting to see something factual from people who disagree with this plan and I'm still waiting.”
The chief gave the petition a good hard look and says he won't confront anyone but he'll remember those names.
The petition will be presented to City Council at 7 p.m. tonight during its budget meeting. The fire chief says he will be there.
View signed petition
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