On Tuesday night the Westfield Fire Department responded to a fire in Westfield's downtown shopping district. Go to http://westfield.patch.com/articles/two-alarm-fire-at-westfield-imaging-center for Westfield Patch's coverage of the fire.So then, why were Westfield firefighters ordered to stop the "digging out" of fire hydrants around town?
The Fact of The Matter has learned that firefighters were instructed to stop the digging out of hydrants in order to rest up in case an emergency were to occur. The manpower of the fire department has been decreased to levels that compromise the safety and welfare of Westfield's citizens. Go to http://07090.blogspot.com/2010/12/westfield-fire-department-staffing-hits.html to see related story and comments.
Due to the reduction in manpower by the town's administration, there was fear that the firefighters on duty might exhaust themselves shoveling out hydrants all day. The fire department's administration was instructed not to call in extra manpower to handle this potentially life saving chore.
Jesus Christ already this has got to stop. Mayor get off your god damn ass and do something, that something starts with removing whom ever is in charge. This town is nothing short of an embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteThis is what happens when management doesnt think outside the box when it comes to staffing and overtime costs. Instead of cutting back on staff how about management take some hits for a change. For starters take back every town owned cell phone. If a staffer needs one let them go out on their own and get it, they can write off the expense on their taxes at the end of the year. Next no more take home cars, the cost of gas is hovering around $3.00 a gallon, and the experts say it will head up to $5.00 a gallon in a couple of years. Finally, why should the town pick up the tab to send members of staff to junkets in Atlantic City, schools out of state if they are necessary then give the person the time off to attend and let them pay their own way; once again a tax deduction for the person. By implimenting just the three items suggested here I am sure the town could save enough money to keep staff levels at satisfactory levels, and when in an emergency such as a snow storm the fear of an overtime bill will not come into play when the safety of people and property come into the mix. Mr. Mayor I see you and your co-horts didnt pay attention in November when elected officials were booted from their office because they ignored the voices of the citizens. Better wake up or else you might find yourself on the outside looking in at the next election. By the way Mr. Mayor, you and the council better pay attention to the view counter....over 16000 in about a month....Not bad......
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