Six Firefighters Laid Off Failure of an April ballot measure has forced the lay off of 6 full-time firefighter positions effective Monday 9-23, reducing the number of personnel responding to emergency and fire calls from Station 1 in Arroyo Grande and Station 3 in Oceano. 2 years ago the federal government recognized a need to increase firefighter staffing within the area covered by Five Cities Fire Authority. That decision led to disbursement of a special SAFER grant to hire 6 full-time firefighters (2 engineers, 4 firefighters). Recognizing the SAFER money was a temporary solution, the Fire Authority worked to pass a ballot measure to keep the SAFER personnel, establish an equipment replacement fund and enhance dispatch capabilities. Unfortunately, property owners in Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Oceano overwhelmingly rejected the ballot measure in April, which would have cost the average homeowner just over $5 per month, or $66 per year. Without the infusion of revenue, residents in Arroyo Grande will see a decrease in fire personnel and now have only 3 firefighters available to respond to a variety of calls ranging from public assistance, medical emergency, accident or fire. The loss of even a single firefighter per shift at Arroyo Grande Station 1 means a loss of flexibility of response. While residents of the Five Cities have dedicated, capable and professional firefighters, even a single vehicle traffic accident could produce potential reduction in service and slower response times. Even worse than the reduced fire and emergency response capabilities for the citizens in Arroyo Grande is the staffing at Station 3 in Oceano. For two years the SAFER grant allowed up staffing to 3 full-time firefighters responding from Five Cities Fire Station 3 in Oceano. The loss of personnel will mean only 2 full-time firefighters are available to respond on a single fire engine to any type of call. Often times, ambulance crews request a firefighter, as a certified EMT, accompany a patient to the hospital in San Luis Obispo. Beginning today, if that occurs, only a single firefighter is available to drive the engine back to the station and park, essentially closing an entire fire station because a single firefighter cannot respond alone with an engine. Efforts to transfer a single firefighter from another FCFA station to Station 3 on a temporary basis would allow for a basic response, but all those moves take a great deal of time and inhibit the ability for Five Cities firefighters to respond to emergencies in the district they serve. As most FCFA firefighters live in the communities of AG, GB and Oceano, they know fire protection and medical response emergencies in their own homes could suffer. The SAFER grant gave Five Cities Fire an opportunity to increase their staff to adequate levels for two years. Some critics suggest a replacement funding source should have been made available sooner; or the Fire Authority simply should not have applied for the grant. The entire Five Cities Authority, including the FCFA Board who serve with dignity and distinction, thought property owners would vote to maintain an adequate level of fire protection and emergency medical services. Perhaps, because we live in a time where citizens are cynical of all government, property owners simply rejected the measure without being aware of the consequences which are now a reality. Having spoken with Fire Chiefs from several districts, their overwhelming concern is the physical safety of their residents and property. Most would accept a SAFER-type grant if it were only for 1 year or 1 month or 1 day or even a single shift because that meant, that for a few short hours, the residents in their community would be a little bit safer. The Fire Authority will make attempts to adjust staffing using reserve firefighters whenever possible, but there is not a budget contingency for that scenario. As a matter of information, reserve firefighters meeting FCFA standard are paid a starting wage of $10 per hour with no benefits. After a one year probationary period, that wage increases to $11. Contrary to the vocal opinion of a few individuals, the ballot measure was not a move by the union to pad retirement funds or increase benefits; the measure was intended to keep an adequate number of firefighters on the engines in Arroyo Grande, Oceano and Grover Beach to respond to 9-1-1 calls for help. As was stated months ago when the measure failed, It is hard to understand how fewer firefighters, older engines, and worn equipment comprises a formula for success.” Those words were true then and are true today. The residents of Arroyo Grande, Oceano and Grover Beach must now agree on a source of funding that provides adequate protection for themselves, their family, their property and their environment. This is not the time for assigning blame or resurrecting old issues...negative energy is wasted energy. Residents in the Five Cities Fire district have an opportunity to work in a positive direction and shape their own destiny in determining the level of fire protection and emergency medical response they need and deserve. On a personal note...I know every firefighter who lost their job Monday and, in many cases, have put my personal safety in their hands. Rob, Paul, Jason, Dylan, Joe and Jeff, thank you your dedication and devotion to your profession and service to the community. I wish you and your families all the best as you move forward. It has truly been an honor.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 02:47:05 +0000
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