The dispute between the City of Dryden and the Fire Association Executive continues to ramp up.
Volunteer firefighters have been asked to sign a service confirmation agreement by Friday at noon.
In a confidential letter obtained by CKDR News, the City document states that Dryden has a responsibility to maintain public safety, and they need to know that they can count on firefighters service.
The agreement requires volunteers to respond to fire calls, attend scheduled training and uphold professional standards.
The letter goes on to say “if we haven’t received your confirmation by that time (Friday noon), we will conclude that your employment as a Volunteer Firefighter with the City of Dryden has been abandoned.”
The letter also notes that scheduled training sessions haven’t been attended since January 10th.
It also states the City values the service of volunteer firefighters and are committed to maintaining a respectful and mutual beneficial workplace, stressing it has worked with the Association in good faith in an effort to resolve concerns.
The letter adds the Association wanted assurance that everyone could continue to serve as Dryden volunteers and the City agreed.
The Association says it decided to not reinstate services after a lengthy meeting with City officials.
They brought forward concerns over Chief Ryan Murrell, indicating he has created a ‘toxic work environment’ and that it’s unsafe for everyone to return under his command.
The Fire FIghters Associations wants Murrell to be placed on administrative leave and not attend fire calls or practice in order to ease tensions.
The group also calls for a full investigation into Murrell’s ‘misconduct’ in firing three members.
The Association acknowledges those three have been quietly reinstated without reprimand.
The City has said it stands by Chief Murrell.
The Association says rather than admitting they made a mistake and disciplining one person, the City is willing to lose the entire department.
They add that Council and Chief Administrative Officer Ernie Remillard have ceased all communication.
