The Sault Ste. Marie Professional Firefighters Association hasn’t change its position regarding planned cuts to the local Fire Service and is calling on the public to pressure city council to reconsider and hold off on the decision.  Council voted 8 to 3 on Monday night to accept the Fire Chief’s plan to cut the number of firefighting positions by up to 20 over a three year period through attrition as part of a realignment adding to the EMS staff level.   Association Executive Rob Shaughnessy speaking to reporters this morning outside the main fire hall says it is not too late despite council’s decision…

The Association continues to stress that to fully understand the consequences of the cuts, a comprehensive risk assessment is required that could point out the liability issues possible with the reduced staffing levels and a fire underwriters study is required to understand potential increases in insurance rates.  Shaughnessy pointed to a study carried out by the National Institute of Scientists and Technology talking about the minimum staffing levels for pumper trucks especially in circumstances when a rescue is required…

Shaughnessy says the Association is willing to sit down with management and would fully participate in the studies requested but wouldn’t go so far as to commit to commissioning the studies.  The Chief’s report to council on Monday explained that EMS medical calls have doubled and staffing levels have not kept pace.  The report recommended an immediate response saying the city exposes itself to significant penalties and possibly criminal negligence.