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Firefighters press Hialeah for faster repairs after termite, AC and washer problems; union urges emergency response
Summary
Firefighters and council members said delays in addressing termites, air-conditioning failures and broken washers at fire stations are harming morale and retention. City staff and the mayor said funds exist and temporary fixes are in place; council asked for improved communications and expedited repairs.
Firefighters and union representatives urged the Hialeah City Council on May 26 to treat several ongoing maintenance problems at local fire stations as emergencies, saying termite infestations, prolonged air‑conditioning outages and broken washers are undermining quality of life and retention.
Eric Johnson, speaking for Firefighters Local 1102, said at least one station has had termites for more than a month and crews have at times returned to facilities with minimal or partial air conditioning. "When they sleep at night, yes, they're landing on their bodies," Johnson said of insects dropping into living quarters, and he urged immediate remedial action and clearer communication between departments.
Councilwoman Monica Perez asked public‑works staff to explain timelines for maintenance requests. A city maintenance official (Martinez) said the department responds to requests and uses portable units and temporary measures while parts are ordered; large HVAC repairs require quotes and parts that can be back-ordered. The fire chief and the mayor said the city has funds in the current budget and five-year capital plan for station renovations and that several temporary and permanent repairs are scheduled: washers to be replaced the next day; termite remediation to proceed after receipt of proposals and a three‑day tenting schedule; and a back‑ordered HVAC coil expected to arrive the next day.
Both union and city officials urged better internal coordination. "We need spare things. We do need emergency POS and those are some things that should have been requested," Johnson said; city leaders replied they will convene department meetings and expedite repairs. Council members said the repairs are urgent given staffing pressures in a department with a growing workload and cited an increase in calls and budgeted vacancies.
The council approved the previously pulled consent item G (fuel-dispensing equipment at Fire Station 1) by unanimous vote during the same block of business; staff confirmed ongoing station repairs will be addressed in coordination with the fire administration.
