Staffing levels for the Wallingford (CT) Fire Department paramedics on nights and weekend schedules have been cut, according to a news report in the New Haven Register. The town’s mayor reporteldy refused to ask for the additional funds necessary to maintain staffing levels, despite the urging of most council members.
“The mayor’s out there alone on this one,” said Frank Ricci, a town resident and New Haven (CT) Fire lieutenant. “The town council unanimously approved the funding. It’s not like the town doesn’t have the money. They recently set aside a million dollars for a public works garage and six million for a volunteer firehouse. But a firehouse that’s not staffed is an empty promise.”
The additional funds are needed because of an arbitrator’s award to paid firefighters last month. The award calls for salary increases of 2.3 percent this year and 2.6 percent next year.
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