On January 2, Chief Patrick has offically closed Station # 5 for 24 hours on a 3 day rotational basis, Engine # 5 will no longer respond on emergencies within the Triangle Area when closed on every third day, equating to 10 days of closure every month.
Please don't have a fire, medical emergency or any other type of incident that requires a fire department response during any of these closures, as Engine 5 and our Heavy Rescue have been placed out of service or closed for the day and other Engines and Squads are trying to keep up the increased workload.
The increased workload has spread our workforce thin and it's nearly to its breaking point.
The City continues to tell citizens that these cuts will have no effect on fire department services, but ask yourself this "How can a fire department that is operating with 25% less on duty staffing continue to provide the same service that is expected and demanded by our taxpaying citzens?"
The simple answer is "We Can't!"
Please put an end to this insanity, call Mayor Baker @ 576-2100 or Chief of Staff Montgomery @ 576-2115 or your City Council Member @ 576-2140.
Kevin O. Turner - President
Wilmington Firefighter's Assoc.
Local 1590
