SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WLNS) – A scarcity of firefighters brought on a Mid-Michigan fireplace division to briefly shut considered one of its fireplace stations.
Fireplace Station 2 in Summit Township was closed from 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday on account of staffing points. The township supervisor mentioned this may not occur once more, however Summit/Jackson Skilled Firefighters Union President Scott Stocker mentioned he isn’t so positive.
“We hope this was an isolated incident, but unfortunately, we don’t believe that’s the case,” Mentioned Stocker.
Stocker mentioned that Fireplace Station 2 received a name whereas it was closed, and Fireplace Station 1 needed to reply, including 4 to 5 minutes to the response time. The township supervisor, John Griffin, mentioned this was a one-time factor.
“We had two firefighters who had family emergencies yesterday, and we have two who are down in training in Detroit.” Griffin continued, “So this was just a happenstance of circumstance.”
The township supervisor mentioned there wanted to be two individuals at every station, however they solely had two staff, which led to Wednesday’s short-term shutdown.
“You have vacations, sick days, training, you have to have some flexibility, and we fell below because of those special circumstances yesterday,” mentioned Griffin.
The fireplace division can also be down two employees members after current retirements. Supervisor Griffin mentioned the township is presently in contract negotiations with the firefighters’ union and plans to make new hires as soon as the contract is finalized.
“We put the money in the budget, even a little deficit this year, to hire those firefighters. We want our police to be funded, we want our firefighters to be funded,” Griffin mentioned.
The union president mentioned he wish to see the empty spots crammed instantly, so when individuals do name out, there’s extra employees who can step in.
“It’s only been 30 days since two individuals retired, and we are seeing a station closed,” Stocker continued. “He can say it’s an isolated incident, but in the future it’s not going to be an isolated incident.”
The township supervisor mentioned he’s ready for a finalized contract to rent as a result of there might be a brand new retirement coverage that he needs new workers on. The union president mentioned whereas they wait, he worries a closure chilly occur once more which causes different companies to assist reply the decision.
Officers say the contract ended on March 31, and negotiations proceed.
