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Firefighters, union and council clash over immediate hires vs. external study as overtime and retirements spike
Summary
Chief Griffin described capital needs and recent academy classes; firefighters and union representatives demanded immediate hires after the department reported about 10 recent retirements/terminations and months of mandated overtime, while the mayor and administration urged a 2026 staffing study to guide sustainable hiring and grant applications.
The city’s fire and EMS presentation on Nov. 27 focused on a deepening operational strain: Chief Griffin described a multi‑year hiring effort (dozens of recruits sent to the academy with some attrition) and capital requests for a replacement engine, ladder truck and an upgraded SCBA filling station. EMS Director Jeff Fritz described a steady increase in call volume and outlined ambulance replacement plans and a new prehospital blood program pilot.
Administrators and the fire chief documented recent personnel turnover — a mix of retirements and a…
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