To say the fire dept.
has flaws is not to say our firemen have flaws. The Firemen work under an established contract. The problem as I see it is that the contract was fine in the 50's but it is dire to the town today. I think we should be able to cover this town with 82 firemen (approx.) working 3 shifts for 7 days, 5 days per person. The system we use now is costly and too often leaves both the firemen and the town at a disadvantage. I would like to see them restructure there work hours and trade that off for a higher pay scale, etc. Of approximately 82 men the most that work any one shift is about l7. And even with those odds we still have to draw on an overtime account that depending on whether or not is funded, we may or may not have all stations open. I certainly appreciate our firemen and have no cause to fault them; I simply think the system is not working in the either their best interest, regarding safety, nor the towns best interest. I for one would like to see an entire new contract written for that department that would benefit all of us. And thanks guys, I have never, ever, in my vast number of years in this town, I have never heard one negative word regarding anyone's performance on the job; and that is certainly high praise for a job well done. Be proud of yourself and your brothers and try not to be too sensitive regarding talk over budget constraints.
By thankful
has flaws is not to say our firemen have flaws. The Firemen work under an established contract. The problem as I see it is that the contract was fine in the 50's but it is dire to the town today. I think we should be able to cover this town with 82 firemen (approx.) working 3 shifts for 7 days, 5 days per person. The system we use now is costly and too often leaves both the firemen and the town at a disadvantage. I would like to see them restructure there work hours and trade that off for a higher pay scale, etc. Of approximately 82 men the most that work any one shift is about l7. And even with those odds we still have to draw on an overtime account that depending on whether or not is funded, we may or may not have all stations open. I certainly appreciate our firemen and have no cause to fault them; I simply think the system is not working in the either their best interest, regarding safety, nor the towns best interest. I for one would like to see an entire new contract written for that department that would benefit all of us. And thanks guys, I have never, ever, in my vast number of years in this town, I have never heard one negative word regarding anyone's performance on the job; and that is certainly high praise for a job well done. Be proud of yourself and your brothers and try not to be too sensitive regarding talk over budget constraints.
By thankful
