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Council hears fire-department staffing shortfalls as state fit-test requirement leaves volunteers sidelined; chief resigns
Summary
Council discussed a new state respirator fit-test requirement that left several volunteer firefighters unable to respond, a state-funded LOSAT retention incentive program, and accepted Fire Chief Danny Oliver’s resignation while approving an interim appointment.
Council members on Feb. 1 were told the city’s volunteer fire force is ‘‘extremely short‑handed’’ for daytime response after a new state respirator fit‑test requirement left several volunteers unable to meet clearance standards.
A fire‑department representative described recent calls — vehicle accidents, house fires and a seasonal increase in grass fires — and said the department is averaging about three to four responders available during some daytime incidents. The speaker said several volunteers either did not pass or did not take the newly required fit test and that the department is struggling to schedule additional testing; work‑comp representatives are scheduled to meet next week to answer questions about clearance and testing logistics.
Council members pressed on whether the city has a proactive list of who needs testing and how to minimize response gaps. Staff said they would add fit‑test scheduling and related staffing questions to the next meeting agenda and pursue nearby testing options; some firefighters also offered to drive multiple hours to complete testing sooner.
Council members also discussed a state‑backed LOSAT incentive described by staff as a 50/50 match program that in the initial round was funded with $1.5 million statewide and would be funded later through casino revenues. The program as presented would provide up to $500 per firefighter in the first year and placed a $5,000 cap referenced in the discussion; local application deadlines and details were noted (local deadline Feb. 27) and the council asked staff to return with specifics.
On personnel, the council accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Danny Oliver, who said repeated coverage demands and inability to give the role ‘‘full schedule and full attention’’ prompted his decision. The council then approved a resolution appointing a successor to fill the vacant fire‑department position (motion and recorded votes). The council did not discuss disciplinary allegations in open session.
The council added fit‑test scheduling and LOSAT enrollment to future agendas and asked staff to report back with testing options, a roster of affected members, and any funding needed to address short‑term response gaps.
