Reported by: Jaime Meyers Email: jaimemeyers@cbs21.com Last Update: 4/13 11:46 pm
Fire protection at a local military base is being cut in half. The Naval Support Activity fire department is transitioning from a two-engine fire company, down to just one.
The union president says he's not just worried about protecting the base, he's worried about assisting other communities. Jim Ulman says, "During the workday when our firefighters provide mutual aid to outside communities, they won't be able to do that. they're often the first on the scene in outside communities."
Ulman says the NSA firefighters and neighboring departments help each other when a fire breaks out. Now he's not sure how much assistance the NSA Dept. will be able to give. The Hampden Township Fire Chief says his residents will be protected, but they'll need to make adjustments without the NSA fire department.
Ulman is worried about other departments arriving in time if there's a major fire on the base. He says his own department might not be able to handle it alone, "They may not have the resources to do anything except watch a building burn. That's not good news for the base. That's not good news for employees. I don't think that's good news for D.O.D.
The NSA has around two hundred buildings, including housing and warehouses. Ulman says, "The warehouses and most buildings are constructed of wood that were building during World War II. He's also concerned that firefighter positions have not been filled. He says the firefighters work 24 hour shifts, and are frequently on overtime, "They're not going to be as alert on the job and by not being able to go out and provide that mutual assistance, they're not exercising their skills and getting that kind of training.
No layoffs are expected from the cut. A spokesperson for the NSA says the base was evaluated, and one truck fits the needs of the compound. He also says this is the most fiscally responsible situation, while still protecting the base.
Copyright 2009 Newport Television LLC All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fire protection at a local military base is being cut in half. The Naval Support Activity fire department is transitioning from a two-engine fire company, down to just one.
The union president says he's not just worried about protecting the base, he's worried about assisting other communities. Jim Ulman says, "During the workday when our firefighters provide mutual aid to outside communities, they won't be able to do that. they're often the first on the scene in outside communities."
Ulman says the NSA firefighters and neighboring departments help each other when a fire breaks out. Now he's not sure how much assistance the NSA Dept. will be able to give. The Hampden Township Fire Chief says his residents will be protected, but they'll need to make adjustments without the NSA fire department.
Ulman is worried about other departments arriving in time if there's a major fire on the base. He says his own department might not be able to handle it alone, "They may not have the resources to do anything except watch a building burn. That's not good news for the base. That's not good news for employees. I don't think that's good news for D.O.D.
The NSA has around two hundred buildings, including housing and warehouses. Ulman says, "The warehouses and most buildings are constructed of wood that were building during World War II. He's also concerned that firefighter positions have not been filled. He says the firefighters work 24 hour shifts, and are frequently on overtime, "They're not going to be as alert on the job and by not being able to go out and provide that mutual assistance, they're not exercising their skills and getting that kind of training.
No layoffs are expected from the cut. A spokesperson for the NSA says the base was evaluated, and one truck fits the needs of the compound. He also says this is the most fiscally responsible situation, while still protecting the base.
Copyright 2009 Newport Television LLC All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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