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HeroSchmero wrote on May 19, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Ambo F, I agree with what you said about the firemen getting up at 3am to head out to a call....and you think that he police don't do that??? Instead of sitting in a station waiting for a call to come out, these guys are driving around LOOKING for criminals or any criminal acts, keeping our streets safe 24/7. They too have to go through a lot of training. I think everyone is missing the point here, it's not about what jobs the firemen do or the police do, it's about the the budget cuts. Plain and simple. The city manager asked ALL city departments to cut their overtime budget, that's it. The fire department has brought on all these negative comments about them because they don't want to comply with the request. Don't you think that the police department would like to have all their overtime that they budgeted for? Or any other department? What the fire department needs to do is step back and stop acting like spoiled children. I'm sure next years budget will be better and all departments will get what they want. "




Ambo F wrote on May 16, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Hey HeroShmero:
You people glaze over a FF's job as "hard," but most do not realize what is actually involved. Let one of these whiners keep up EMT/Paramedic certifications, base hospital endorsement, any and all requirements both certifiable and physical required for their prospective jobs on the engines, on top of working their weekly 48 hours (which is more than the average joe works by a full 8 hour day). To all those speculating about what those "lazy" fireman do during their shift and concluding that TV watching, lounging, and sleeping are the dominent activities partaken; realize that when your loved one feels sick or genuinely has an emergency at 3am on a Sunday night the FD and EMS are the ones who get out of bed and rush to help. When your house/car/field or anything else catches fire, FD are the ones who risk their lives trying to save your family and property. I have never heard a silent day on the scanner where those FF aren't training as well as responding to 911 calls. Unfortunately there is no surplus of men and women ready and willing to risk their lives, work their tails off, and constantly be facing condemnation from their community concerning their activities, personal or professional. The ones we have make a decent living doing a difficult and time consuming job. When referring to overtime, that is what it is-overtime. These men and women were not given this money for nothing, they had to work for it just like anyone else. So to you speculators, whiners, and cry-babies get real or try it out...we'll be waiting for you to tell us all how easy their job is then.

"EMS" making your opinions known to the general public as a form of revenge is petty and childish. If you feel that you have been wronged by our resident FF, well deal with it. This system had worked well for a long time before you came in and refused to conform to a majority. The nature of this industry is widely known, but I guess this information has yet to reach the "Superior world" of Colorado EMS. "




He Knows All wrote on May 15, 2008 3:34 PM:

" An interesting read

http://www.ems1.com/columnists/kelly-grayson/articles/401319-Marriage-Counseling-Part-1-The-Dysfunctional-Fire-EMS-Relationship
"




Huh wrote on May 15, 2008 11:19 AM:

" RMI GUY? Don't you mean AMR GUY? hehe "




RMI GUY wrote on May 15, 2008 9:15 AM:

"
I have to clear the air here...
I'm not sure who EMS is but I want to make sure everyone understands the fire department and the ambulance personnel and are top notch. The ambulance paramedics and fire paramedics work very well together and compliment each others skill and knowledge.

It's a sad thing to see "EMS" talking trash like this about two organizations that have worked side by side together for so long. If I had to guess I'd say "EMS" was recently fired from their last two or three jobs because they can't function in a team atmosphere.

To the public:
Please don't place to much weight behind the statements a past employee who couldn't hang with the standard set forth by Lake Havasu's medical control makes. He's only a sore loser and LHC was only his most recent dismissal.

To LHCFD:
I know these hard economic time doesn't make this job any easier, but we are your coworkers and friends. Don't allow this individual to ruin a team that has been built on trust and commitment well over 20 years.

As for "EMS":
I had no idea you could fit into a helocopter... "




Smith wrote on May 14, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Rural/Metro has recently had some trouble with it's finances. It paid out $2.75 to the Federal Government due to a Medicare scandal and almost lost it's listing on NASDAQ in 2006 for failing to file paperwork with the Listing group. Rural/Metro has also come under fire for problems with the level of care provided to communities. Some Rescue Squads are incorrectly stocked and are not prepared for certain emergency situations. Also, the skill level of some of the personnel and lack of a qualified and unified training structure is a weak point in this Critical Care Provider's track record.


-Quote from Wikipedia.com "




HeroSchmero wrote on May 14, 2008 4:36 PM:

" Hey Mr. "don't cut the heroes" and "Calhav" the next time you call crying WAHHHH BJ's is too loud, loud motorcycles/atv's are speeding down my street...wahhh, someone assaults you, threatens you, hits/vandalizes/steals from your vehicle, breaks into your home, or speeds down your street don't call the police, call the FIRE DEPARTMENT! Afterall, they do have 4 guys to a truck not doing anything but standing around waiting for fires to happen so they can actually have something to do! "




EMS wrote on May 14, 2008 12:54 AM:

" To get a clue:
Maybe those fire guys shouldn't spend the extra 20 minutes on scene trying to do procedures that can be done in the back of the ambulance on the way to definitive care. Maybe those fire guys should just hand over care and go back in service. And just maybe those fire guys need to realize they are not all that just cuz they wear blue shirts. There are a lot of ambulance Paramedics in this town that are pretty tired of dealing with the arrogant attitudes of fire guys when they get on scene. Tired of being treated like just the transport crew. Ya know...we can handle even the sick patients on the way to the hospital without your fire paramedics riding in. I believe it would make more sense to get your engine back in service for when the city is busy. The ambulances can make quick turns, meet you on scene once you have the patient triaged and take over care. No reason for your to sit on scene checking a blood sugar for a stubbed toe. Maybe practicing being a clinician would be better for the citizens of LHC instead of cookbook medicine. "




EMS Police wrote on May 13, 2008 10:08 PM:

" Sounds like Mr./Mrs. (EMS), and I use that term lightly, needs either a hug or another Bon Bon! Too many episodes of ER and Grey's Anatomy will do that to you. It sounds as if somewhere down the line they were put in thier place by someone who actually knows what they are doing, and this is thier avenue for revenge. Why is it they aren't a part of the TEAM if they're that good? I know why, THEY'RE NOT! Next! "




GoodPlan wrote on May 13, 2008 2:24 PM:

" To WFO:

HAHAHAHA. "Havasu is one of the most respected pre-hosptial systems in the state of AZ and have done everything possible to provide a high level of service, we have more capabilities here than in big cities like Phoenix or Vegas"

Thanks for the laugh!

The LHCFD might have more procedures than other big systems but that is only an asset if your medics know HOW and WHEN to use them. Do you really buy into your line about Havasu being an elite EMS system? If so then you are probably one of the arrogant medics that routinely screws up! Being an effective and efficient paramedic is more about knowing when to do something and when not to. It's about using your brain to figure out what is going on and drawing from your EXPERIENCE to help guide you.

Again WFO states "Paramedics of this community that have picked up the slack and kept allot of this communities family members alive"

Once again.....HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

The only thing that keeps patients alive in this town are the HELICOPTERS that fly these patients to Vegas or Phoenix where REAL DOCTORS can take care of them and reverse what the inept medical providers here have done. Especially the screw ups of our local "hero's."

The LHCFD has much improvement to do and hopefully they will eventually see the error of their ways. Until then, if your sick in this town you would be better off high tailin' it to Vegas or Phoenix rather than calling the FD medics.

GP "




WFO wrote on May 13, 2008 10:33 AM:

" There are many misconceptions and confusion on facts. Please research Rural Metro before you sign them up, they have been run out of every municipality around icluding there flagship operation in Scottsdale,AZ that cost that city TENS of MILLIONS of dollars to fix that fiasco. Secondly the guy who keeps talking about "EMS" Havasu is one of the most respected pre-hosptial systems in the state of AZ and have done everything possible to provide a high level of service, we have more capabilities here than in big cities like Phoenix or Vegas, and I certainly dont mean to throw the hospital ER under the bus, but with the state of this cities hospital ER, it is the Paramedics of this community that have picked up the slack and kept allot of this communities family members alive when the ER was overwhelmed as it usually is on a daily basis. To the nice lady who asked why do we need unions, beleive me politics are an "ugly" issue, to have a way for labor to approach management with it's concerns is both necessary and important to at least be heard, it's not the taxpayers but often city hall we voice our concerns too. Oh and by the way "No Body" drives an Excursion! Please ask questions, become more informed before writing and making comments, these are obviously difficult times that require difficult decisions, if the city decides to make some budget cuts than we will live with those decisions even if it means responding to your house with a lower level of service in your time of need? "




Getaclue wrote on May 13, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Wow! There ar some real angry people out there. EMS, whats your motive for being rude to the fire guys when you probably just took a patient over from the same guys who can pass on a patient ready to go or one who still needs procedures completed? (3 or 4 man makes the difference) As for everyone else, this is about back filling for people when they take time off, not manning the engines with EXTRA people. This is about making sure 4 fire fighters are on an engine when there is a fire. (MY WIFE AND KIDS WANT ME TO COME HOME SAFE TOO) Who's been burned or died in a fire? I was burned! 3 years ago fighting a fire on the south side of town waiting for the other engines to show up. My friend died in a BBQ explosion. I had to put out the fire while my other friends hade to treat him and take him to the hospital. Kids who drown, die in fires, get abused, and every other messed up call that we deal with and rely on each other wondering what else we could have done to help. (4 man helps)
Before you make angry comments, think about it, ask your self what and who and how many would I want if it where my wife, kid, mom, dad, or friend?
Also, we work great with street, police, public works, and every other department in the city. We don't want there overtime cut either! "




EMS wrote on May 13, 2008 1:40 AM:

" So tell me "fire department facts", when is the last time your department spent more than 1 shift out of a month practicing your Rapid Sequence Intubation skills or your ACLS algorithms? Pretty sure you only train on your medical skills once a month at the medic meetings. Explain to me again why you need more than 3 fireman on each engine cuz I am pretty sure the 2 in 2 out is great where there are limited resources. Come on, you know that every engine company in this town is going to be hot on the heels of the first due engine if there is ever a real fire. You say you don't actually spend time in your lazy boy recliners in front of your big screen TV's? That's cuz you are too busy playing with your $500,000 Hazmat engine that rarely ever rolls on calls. Good thing you are all trained to use it huh? How about learning to use the things that truly matter like your lifepak 12's or your laryngyscopes? "




IAFF FIREMAN wrote on May 12, 2008 9:20 PM:

" I think that Mr.nonsense needs to put on 70 pounds of gear at 115 degrees outside and fight a fire in the summer, then he will see why we need so many firefighters at a fire.He mentions that we call for the police at certain times, Yes we do stage and wait and wait sometimes 45 minutes.stop haten the firemen and come do our job, than we can talk "




Clueless wrote on May 12, 2008 8:04 PM:

" Why do the nice fireman need a union? To protect themself with the taxpayers? Why don't they get volunter firemans who does not have to be in the union? Why do we need the fireman union? Can we fire all the fireman and hire ones without a union? "




Fire Department Facts wrote on May 12, 2008 7:15 PM:

" Yes, there is an industry standard for fire department staffing. It is 4 person engine companies. There is no such recommendation in any standard for 3 person companies anywhere. Did I mention that even the ICMA International City Managers Association supports 4 person engine companies? Yes, the Fire Department runs more EMS than fire calls. Are you aware of the scope of practice changes that affect an engine company’s ability to effectively treat and transport critical patients, using Rapid Sequence Intubation or Advanced Life Support techniques / skills. No, fire does not burn any different here in Havasu that it does else where in the country. To say that our fire department should not be staffed to industry standards and staffed by service demand is unbelievable. Where are you going to get safe and effective staffing when service is needed? That’s right folks, when you need service from the fire department you can't wait or schedule it for next week, when all the companies are staffed correctly. I think I heard ISO ratings also. That’s right, if staffing is down, your insurance premiums are up. This brings steeper insurance costs to every building owner in this community. LHCFD is an ISO 3 now. As for Rural Metro ask anyone that lives in Scottsdale Arizona. Oh ya they got rid of Rural Metro and now have a municipal fire department. It's no secret that public safety departments are paid to be ready. Our Firefighters and Paramedics are well trained and provide this community with a much needed service at the highest level they can. Don't be confused with the washed down version and angry comments you read or here. The firefighters are not asking for more staffing they are asking to continue to staff LHC with the same staffing levels and service they currently do. Do your own homework. Punch in safe staffing for fire departments in your search engine and see for yourself. Even check out the ICMA web site regarding fire department staffing. Let’s not let individuals reduce the level of service our citizen’s get from the fire department and fool ourselves that Lake Havasu Fire Department should be understaffed against NFPA / industry standard recommendations. Did I mention OSHA standards or the staffing recommendations of almost every NIOSH Firefighter injury of fatality report. "




Save The Slabs wrote on May 12, 2008 6:48 PM:

" Why do we have a fully manned station out at the airport? There are no commercial flights anymore. I invite the council to take a look at their log books and see how many calls they have responded to in the past year. Close that station and redistribute the manpower throughout the other 4 stations, I'm sorry theres 5, they never closed the station on Lake Havasu Ave after the new one was built by City Hall. And with the 18 new fire fighters they received last year, they can probably have 6 man crews. OOPs, sounds like a layoff. What would Rural Metro do? "




RURAL METRO FAN wrote on May 12, 2008 6:34 PM:

" So if I get this right...If fire is granted their full OT budget, other departments budgets will be cut further. Lets use Public Works: If their was a major water main break, no overtime for the Water Dept to fix the lines and fire couldn't put out a fire. We just had a major storm, no overtime for the Street Dept to clean or fix the streets, fire couldn't get through to save a life. Waste Water Dept had a major shutdown at a treatment plant and backed up the sewer system throughout the city. No overtime to fix. Oh well... fire can drive through it as well as trying to sell us on it. Bring on RURAL METRO and bring these guys back down to earth. "




nonsense wrote on May 12, 2008 5:22 PM:

" There is nothing the matter with 3 to an engine. Imagine the overtime cost now when you have to make sure there is always 4 people to an engine instead of 3. The fire department is a bunch of cry babies all they want is more more more. Most of their calls are medical calls anyway that require only a couple MAYBE three people to handle. When they actually do have a real fire, every truck goes anyway, so it is not like they are running short on man power. It's funny how every other department is making cut backs and here comes the cry babies wanting more. The firefighters may do a good job, but the real heroes are the police. What happens when the fire department feels it may be unsafe to respond to an unknown medical or incident? They stage and wait for the police to show up. This happens all over the country not just in lake havasu city. Also the city manager may want to think about getting rid of the 48 hour shifts. There is no benifit to this other than the fact it benifits the fire fighters personally. "




Get a clue wrote on May 12, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Come on...
Anyone who thinks LHCFD personel watch TV and sleep all day need to spend some time with one of the engine companies.

People should know their facts before speaking out of term. "




IAFF FIREMAN wrote on May 12, 2008 5:02 PM:

" What a lot of poeple dont know is that a four man engine or truck company is a safety issue,2 in 2 out,2 firefighters can go in and if there was a problem their is 2 more outside for rescue,A lot of people complaining and sayin go ahead cut their budget but when that persons home is on fire and the department shows up and is not able to put out the fire, because they dont have enough man power maybe they will re-think what they printed.There is a lot more issues why they run with 4 person crews.maybe people should talk to the fire dept before you post such lame posts.. "




balance wrote on May 12, 2008 4:08 PM:

" Why does it have to be either, or? Instead of three-person engine companies, what about two-person advanced life-support rescue squads and a handful of four-person engines throughout the City? The origins of the modern day, EMS-based fire department began with squads. Fires are less than 3.5% of the total call volume, but yet an entire army is built around this "firefighting" mentality. Clearly, the department is an EMS Department, not a Fire Department, that sometimes fights fires. Kudos to the City Manager for managing the taxpayers' money in a responsible manner. "




steve wrote on May 12, 2008 2:27 PM:

" Concerned about Public Saftey: "I wouldn't feel very safe if the personnel that had to respond to a fire at my house or an injury accident had been up for 36 hours because of responding to other calls." Frankly, that is an aberration. Haven't meet a fireman yet that wasn't able to get his Z-z-z-z-z-s in while on duty. 48 on with 24 hours of that minimum sleep on the clock. Leaves 24 hours of work and then 4 days or more off depending on C/O or vacation. Not too shabby, don't whine too much guys or you'll loose your gravy train! "




WOW wrote on May 12, 2008 2:26 PM:

" Union FFs getting too big for there britches over there in Havasu? Hmm, the rest of the nation is going to catch up. Know who the biggest things against volunteer FireFighters? Unions! They will do anything to stop them. "




GoodPlan wrote on May 12, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Wow! I'm impressed that the people commenting here are actually able to see through the FD's nonsense. This department has MANY MORE problems to address than reducing the overtime budget.

I agree with what EMS said in his/her post. This FD spends too much money training for their beloved "structure fires" which account for maybe 5% of their workload. However, they spend almost NO TIME training and remediating their EMS skills which accounts for more like 90% of their call volume. Why is that? Someone please tell me the last time something burned in this town that actually caused a life to be lost? However, pretty sure those firefighters medical skills could use some improving.

Thankfully, the "high" from 9/11 that these fire departments have been exploiting is slowly coming to a close. It's time that these departments realize that money doesn't grow on trees and your fire engines can last more than 5 years and that your beloved "heros" don't need to make 75,000 a year.

So many big cities are seeing the effects from fire chief overspending for ridiculous TOYS! It's about time we here in LHC follow suit and everybody needs to sacrifice for the common good of the city.

GoodPlan "




calhav wrote on May 12, 2008 1:31 PM:

" Well Citizens it comes to this. ISO Ratings, Yes you could do with Rural Metro, Yes you could do with 3 man Engines heck you could even have a fully volunteer Department. Be ready to Pay however. Your insurance premiums reflect the level of Fire Service which is available. Remember when everyone was quick to jump on the sewer, no buying English Village, tough enforcement?
I live in an area of California which had a 2 man paid 2 man auxillary staffing. Because of non permenant status of the manning my insurance premiums were 1360/ year, This was NOT in a brush area. The City of the last 3 years created a benefit assessment district with 4 man budgeted, 3 man minimum manning. That means they can drop to 3 guys without overtime. If both FF want off then one is denied the day.
My premium dropped to 760/year almost Half.
Rural Metro is an option, but remember they are a For FEE Department. Don;t use them you don;t pay. Use them and its like hip replacement surgery.

In California most agencies run with 3 man engine and 4 man Ladder trucks. LA City is of the few Class One Departments left. So you will end up paying one way or another, with taxes, insurance or your life. Your Call. Remember once you loose those positions, you'll never get them back. Havasu at its finest. "




Concerned about Public Saftey wrote on May 12, 2008 1:17 PM:

" If the Fire Department wants to scare everyone and say that public saftey is going to be jepordized by the potential budget cuts why has it been a big secret that they are now working 48 hours on shift and 4 days off. I wouldn't feel very safe if the personel that had to respond to a fire at my house or an injury accident had been up for 36 hours because of responding to other calls. The only reason they want this work shift is because it makes it easier for the majority of the firefighters to operate their other businesses and work their other jobs. If they want to talk about public saftey why has this been kept such a secret? Because they don't want your input or for you to know they are already jepordizing you saftey for their gain!! "




waht are the industry standards wrote on May 12, 2008 11:23 AM:

" there must be some accepted industry standards out there somewhere? what is the standard for like departments accross the us

i don't think folks should be fussing over fd downtime, as it may be equal to that of other city workers "




REO wrote on May 12, 2008 10:15 AM:

" The services provided by the FD are so obviously necessary, and the guys/gals working for the department do a superb job. But, come on, the department vehicles should have "gravy train" stenciled on them. You really need a 45K Excursion for the Chief to ride around in? Another one for the 'educator', and so on. I see as many of these ancillary vehicles on the road as I do legitimate fire fighting vehicles. The department would do well to stop working the system, and just work. "




Cut the heroes wrote on May 12, 2008 10:12 AM:

" Firemen are not heroes, give the money to the cops "




Sean wrote on May 12, 2008 10:07 AM:

" If there is only three firemen that means only one gets to stand around instead of two so what is the big deal? "




steve wrote on May 12, 2008 8:43 AM:

" Communities across the United States have under gone budget cuts in various city departments. Two areas where cost were reduced but not cut as much were/are areas of Public Safety-Police and Fire. If overtime of $400,000 a year exist in this community, there is something terribly wrong with the staffing, or management in their ability to control elective time off. It wouldn't be surprising to find Fire Officers swapping time off for overtime work and visa versa. Many cities have found employees find this as a unique way of increasing salary where opportunity for raises were remote. Freeze all salary increases and request a 5% cut from all departments, give management the ability to deny C/O and vacation if it impacts the level of service negatively. After all, this is public service agencies and they elected to take the positions as public servants. That in part is the reason for retirement benefit packages and it is called delayed gratification. If and when the times are tough, everyone feels the pinch somewhat. When rebellious employees abuse sick leave management has the right to control that also. If management can not put accountability into their staff and line, there are always those who can. Tough times call for tougher measures. Emotional pleas to the community should not cloud facts. What is the ratio of Calls for Service and staffing of comparable communities? How many calls actually require a four person team? The dynamics of staffing issues go far deeper than an overtime budget. "




Irishman wrote on May 12, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Instead of cutting the fire budget, maybe they should cut the city managaer, he's dangerous. When city's make cuts to public safety, they cut the safety of every person in that community. "




R C Drew wrote on May 12, 2008 7:50 AM:

" the city fire department is the biggest waste of the taxpayers money that i have ever seen. they are always crying about something. the city should look into RURAL METRO FIRE SREVICES.they will probably save alot of money. they won'thave to buy any new equipment or maintain it either and they wont have the lazy usless fire girls laying around all day long collecting way too much money for doing nothing but watching tv or sleeping. they are the biggest joke on the taxpayers yet.also what is this about them having a union ?????? the city doesn't recognize unions i have been told. city residents wake up we need to stop this crap from the lazy fire cry babies,. get RURAL METRO IN HERE AND WE WILL HAVE A MUCH BETTER SERVICE WITH LESS CRYING..THE CITY COUNCIL SHOULD NOT GO BEHINE MR KAFFENBERGERS BACK DUE TO THE SNEAKY TACTICS OF THE SO CALLED FIRE PERSONEL. "




Bill wrote on May 12, 2008 7:16 AM:

" Fortunately our fire department isn't busy 99% of the time so it too should share in shouldering the budget cut load.

A representative from the local fire department had NO trouble recommending the shade covers be removed at the largest attendance of a council meeting in history thus costing local citizens 100's of thousand of dollars.

I therefore recommend this budget cut be made permanent. Tit for tat. "




me wrote on May 12, 2008 7:13 AM:

" To concerned citizen...if 4 is better and faster than 3, then I propose we have engines staffed with 278 firefighters. That way nobody in Havasu would ever die or have a house burn down. I know that's absurd. My point is simply this...before you state your opinion as "PERIOD", know your facts. There is a lot more to this story than meets the eye. It would be very rare for a truck to be down a man as it would only happen when a firefighter was out sick. As for medical calls, let's not forget that only 2 medics staff each local ambulance. With one truck and one ambulance at a call that would still be 5 people. As for fires, several trucks respond at the same time with lots of firefighters. Simply having one out with the flu will not endanger anyone. And yes to the haters, I do know...I'm one of the 4 firefighters riding in said truck. "




Not Adding Up wrote on May 12, 2008 4:21 AM:

" I think its time to bring in Rural-Metro to Lake Havasu. They are an excellent fire organization in the Phoenix area and you don't hear them complaining. Why is the fire station at the airport still manned 24/7. That station was manned when commercial air service was here. We have not had that in over a year. And with the departments additional 18 personnel they received last year, somethings not adding up. I say bring in Rural-Metro. "




lifegoeson wrote on May 12, 2008 3:13 AM:

" OK this is just stupid. You have to have to have 1 or 2 person command and 2 or 3 to go into the burning building to fight the fire it's called RIP time for the council members to get on board a fire truck and go to a structure fire and think about the fact that could of been their house. Cut your budget someplace else. Oh I know how many take home cars go home by city employees that don't need to? "




Curious wrote on May 12, 2008 1:55 AM:

" I am curious if all the needed fireman were hired yet. If there are not enough on staff to cover if someone is out sick I would think we are currently understaffed. Further, if the amount of overtime is such an extreme that $400,000.00 is being suggested as being cut, wouldn't it be less expensive to hire a few more FULL time fireman? I don't agree that safety should be compromised! I can't believe there are not other solutions, such as hiring a few more full time employees to reduce the overtime.... as well as cutting out projects that are not necessities! "




EMS wrote on May 12, 2008 1:21 AM:

" How about we spend some money on medical training instead.. 90% of all the fire calls are actually medical calls. The medicine in Lake Havasu is about 15 years behind the real world. It would be nice to know that since their Paramedics are the first ones that respond to calls that they actually know what they are doing. Public safety is what they are here for right? Then train for the medical calls and not just the fire calls. "




GoodPlan wrote on May 11, 2008 11:25 PM:

" Kudos to the city manager for his proposed FAIR and equal budget saving cuts across the board. In no way should the Fire Department be exempt from fiscal responsibility.

I am sick and tired of hearing about the poor firefighters and how unsafe this proposed action would be. "Concerned Citizen" when is the last time you only saw three fireman show up or four for that matter? Most of the time an engine and a truck shows up or an engine and an ambulance shows up. On fire calls two or three fire apparatus show up. Pretty sure that translates into more than 3-4 people.

Fireman are well compensated for the job they provide. Probably OVERLY compensated for the job they do. Maybe the city should look into selling some of the lazy-boy recliners and big screen TV's in an attempt to ease the budget! Or better yet trim a little fat off these guys RIDICULOUS over-inflated salaries.

Keep up the good work Mr. CIty Manager!!!!

Good Plan "




Mr. Havasu wrote on May 11, 2008 10:17 PM:

" If the City management would cut back on some of their ridiculas pet projects there would most likely be enough money to staff public safty properly to the benifit of the citizens. I know this is probably too much to ask of these financial genius's currently running OUR City! "




calhav wrote on May 11, 2008 9:54 PM:

" Why are the Firefighters being punished for the past spending of the CIty. Get rid of the ROBO BIKE, The Fancy New Police Boats the sound meters and other BS that does not directly affect the local Citizens. I said earlier this year that the lack of tourism and actions of this council would eventually impact services. Well it is happening. Problem is getting blood out of a turnip.
The Cops will eventually enforce themselves out of a job. No tourist no crime (according to most locals) No crime no need for as many cops. "




dont cut the heroes wrote on May 11, 2008 9:46 PM:

" firefighters are real hero's who show up to save people in real trouble. You want to cut, cut the cops who only show up after the fact to write a report, arrest out of towners to bloat a budget for a magistrate, or are busy writing tickets for the same.

Firefighters save lives, cut the cops and the courts budgets "




joe wrote on May 11, 2008 9:31 PM:

" Government exists primarily to provide for public safety and education. Cutting funding from city departments equally across the board may sound like a fair way of balancing the budget, but when it comes to public safety, fire and police, they must be exempt from these cuts. We depend on fire fighters/paramedics and police officers to protect us and to be available for emergency response 24 hours a day. When members of the community call for assistance, we want fully staffed emergency responders on duty to immediately respond. Before the city council starts their across the board spending cuts, I suggest they look at curtailing their spending and getting rid of their "nice to have" type of programs and focus on public safety. "




Concerned Citizen wrote on May 11, 2008 8:27 PM:

" "preserving overtime for the firefighters" is NOT what it is about, it is a safety concern, and when they have to fight fires, or save your loved one....4 can do a better faster job than 3 . . . PERIOD "

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