While this type of City legislation might be common, The Fire Critic has not heard of it before.
In a move that I think is very smart thinking, Palo Alto firefighters are attempting to get the City Charter changed to mandate staffing levels. This initiative was spurred by potential cutbacks.
“The staffing level that we currently have would be locked into the charter. The only way you could reduce one fire person would be for the entire city to vote and change the city charter. That’s how extreme this measure is,” said Burt.
I must say that the firefighters are thinking outside the box!
Visit the Palo Alto Firefighters Local 1319 online here
A few cities in Michigan have this, including Dearborn and Pontiac. In Pontiac's case, they still have 4 man engines while the cops-who have no such protection-have been cut to unsafe levels.
The Baytown, TX Fire Department did this in 2004. It's thought to be the first department in Texas to take this route.
That is very interesting. I am learning more and more about this! I think it is great that these FD's got it in their charter!
I hope to hear about more charters being changed this way!