Monday, August 10, 2015

Moose Jaw Times-Herald: Council approves fire department changes

Alterations approved despite firefighters association concerns 
Gord Hewitt, president of the Moose Jaw Firefighters
Association, speaks about the concerns regarding
the changes to the Moose Jaw Fire Department
at the Aug. 10, 2015 council meeting.
Lisa Goudy/Times-Herald
    

By Lisa Goudy

With several firefighters positions not being filled, Gord Hewitt is concerned about the direction staffing levels are going.

"Since 2004, we’ve lost a fire inspector, a training officer, we’ve been reduced from primary care paramedic to first responder, we’ve lost five dispatchers now and now possibly a mechanic position and fire suppression jobs,” said Hewitt.

“It is our opinion, which is supported by much research-based evidence, that these cuts will affect our safety and the safety of the public in the future.”

Along with Lorne West, Sixth District vice-president of the International Association of Firefighters, Hewitt spoke to council at Monday’s meeting to discuss their concerns regarding the recent changes to the Moose Jaw Fire Department.

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