DETROIT (WXYZ) — It’s a fierce battle pitting the head of the Detroit Fire Department against the top union official representing firefighters. The most recent feud is sparked by both sides insisting they have the citizens best interests at heart.
“I’m not going to condone the dangerously low manpower and need for more resources post bankruptcy,” says Mike Nevin, DFFA Union President.
But, Detroit’s Fire Commissioner Eric Jones says, “A policy involving EMS Rigs is intended to ultimately save lives.”
As part of an effort to improve efficiency and make sure EMS units do not waste valuable time sitting at scenes without need, Commissioner Eric Jones says his staff has cut down on automatically sending EMS crews to fire runs. He says it will free up more crews to cover scenes with injuries, occupied dwellings, people trapped and other urgent situations.
Nevin says it won’t help reduce backlog, and only puts more people’s safety at risk.
“Many injuries occur after the fire, when the structures collapse,” says Nevin.
Jones maintains they have a minimum of 20 EMS rigs at all times, with roughly half a dozen more at peak times.
Nevin says he is committing to fight this policy all the way to the top. That means going to the Detroit mayor to get the results he wants.
