RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) -- The union of city firefighters say staff cuts under an early retirement plan for department personnel threaten the safety of the community.
Representatives of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2323 called on people and businesses in Rutland to contact Mayor John Cassarino and the Board of Aldermen in protest.
``We do not, as a community, have to suffer these kinds of losses in our fire protection capabilities, or put our employees or citizens at such increased risk,'' said local union President Donald Adams.
Seven firefighters accepted an early retirement offer from the city early last month, which will drop staffing at the 30-member department by about 25 percent when they take effect June 30.
Union attorney James Dunn said that up until Thursday, the union had not heard from City Hall when and if the outgoing firefighters would be replaced. A letter from city attorney Christopher Sullivan dated June 2 said the city intended to hire four firefighters.
At a Thursday news conference, Adams said the union wanted all seven positions filled, as well as another position created in this year's budget that remains vacant.
``Enough is enough,'' Adams said. ``Not replacing the eight positions places the membership of this department and the citizens of this city at risk and is unacceptable.''
Adams said that while the city is capable of bringing in additional firefighters in the event of a major fire, he said the key was to have the maximum number of firefighters on the scene early on.
Dunn said the low staffing could also drive up insurance costs in the city.
City Fire Chief Robert Schlachter said he didn't share the union's view on how many people the department needs.
``We'll have the same number of people responding after July 1 as we do now,'' he said. ``Right now we're responding with seven people on initial fire calls. We have been for years and it hasn't been an issue until now.''
