The Dryden Firefighters Association is warning of possible cutbacks.
In a release to CKDR News, the Association states they are concerned that further cuts to the Fire Service budget will result in a lack of training, equipment and manpower over the next few years.
The release says this would directly impact the safety of volunteer firefighters and the community.
The Association adds a drop in service levels will mean higher home and business insurance premiums and taxpayers will receive reduced safety and emergency response services.
The City continues to look at ways of trimming a massive deficit on the heels of a report from consulting firm KPMG.
A budget and financial update will be provided to Council at a special closed door meeting Tuesday evening.
Here is a copy of the statement released to CKDR News.
“Dryden fire and rescue is an essential city service.
We protect and save the lives of your family and friends in our community.
As firefighters and as citizens we fear further staff or budget cuts will put us and you the public at risk jeopardizing our ability to respond to emergencies in the future.
A decreased fire service level can result in dramatic increases in home insurance rates.
Remember, when your house is on fire, or your car is upside down high insurance premiums will not help you.”
While we are sympathetic to the City of Dryden’s financial situation we are concerned that further cuts to the Fire Service budget will results in a lack of training, equipment and manpower over the next few years. This would directly impact the safety of our volunteer firefighters and the community we serve. The Dryden Fire Service may not be able to maintain services mandated by the city and failure to do so would result with the city reducing its service level agreements.
The Dryden Firefighter Association would like the public to realize the ramifications of these actions. A drop in service levels will surely mean higher home and business insurance premiums for us all, and while taxpayers are being forced to pay more they will be receiving less life safety and emergency response services. Citizens of Dryden should be aware what the city’s cost saving endeavors will mean to them. Questions regarding your Dryden Fire and Rescue services can be can always be answered at your local Dryden Fire Service office. A deeper cut to an essential service that is already run more efficiently than its peers does not seem like the right move.
