Once again, the Brook Park Fire Fighters are fighting to protect public safety.  In this most recent round of attacks from the City Administration, the Mayor is attempting to reduce Fire Department daily staffing levels from 9 to 7 firefighters.  This 22% reduction in daily staffing will be devastating to the level of service the Fire Department is able to provide.  We are deeply concerned about these proposed cuts and the effect they will have on your safety and ours.

The Mayor already closed one fire station within the last year,  thereby reducing service to a highly populated area of the city.  Now, the City is looking to reduce Fire and EMS services further.  The members of Brook Park Fire Fighters have no doubt that these cuts will greatly endanger public safety and places lives at risk.  

Under the City's plan,  there would be only 5 firefighters at the Main Fire Station, with the remaining 2 firefighters at Fire Station #2, all the way on the west side of town.  This means the Main Fire Station, at 17401 Holland Rd., will only be able to operate one ambulance and one fire engine staffed with 2 firefighters.   Imagine having a fire at your house, and seeing only two firefighters showing up on a fire engine.  Now imagine you are having a heart attack, and you have to wait for ambulance to arrive from Ruple Rd. or another city, because the main ambulance is on another emergency call.  These are not ''what if scenarios'', these will be the everyday realities in the City of Brook Park if the Mayor's plan is implemented.  Response times will be slower,  fires will grow larger, and lives will placed at risk. 

Now is the time for Brook Park residents to speak up and let the Mayor and City Council know that this plan to cut daily staffing is too dangerous.     

Shanna Waite and her son Austin Michael (2/9/12 - 2/10/12)

If you can find it in your heart to make any donation to help Shanna and her family, checks can be made out to "Benefit of Shanna & Austin Waite" and dropped off at any Fifth Third Bank.

Local 1141 Executive Board has approved a donation in the name of all it's members.

We just want to, again, say thanks to all our supporters. You make it very easy to enjoy working for you. It's good to know that we are appreciated as much as we appreciate you.

Please, have a very safe and joyous holiday season.

Don't leave your tree lit or candles burning unattended!