Home East County ECCPFD Fire Services to be Reduced 40% After Benefit Assessment Fails

ECCPFD Fire Services to be Reduced 40% After Benefit Assessment Fails

by ECT

The public has rejected the latest idea for solving a funding issue for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District through a benefit assessment which aimed to keep fire stations open.

The District had hoped to raise more than $4.2 million in additional revenue to re-open the downtown Brentwood fire station and keeping open the Knightsen fire station while ensuring firefighters would not be laid off.

Monday night, the District learned their efforts failed after they mailed out 38,529 ballots and had 9,495 ballots returned–the results showed voters did not support the Districts effort.

  • Yes: 46.96% (4,369 votes with dollar amount of $588,202)
  • No 53.04% (5,085 votes with dollar amount of $600,889)

ECCFPD-Firefighters

The District will now work on a timeline to shutter stations while also working on plans of what calls the district will respond to and not respond to in the future. It will also determine which three stations in the District will remain open. By July 1, four firefighters will be laid off.

Director Joe Young thanked the staff and consultants saying the result should not be an interpretation of the efforts of the people working with limited results. He said they have heard the public and now will deliver the best service they can with limited resources.

“I believe we presented a true and honest picture of the District and I feel the public has had an opportunity  to unveil that information. That said, I am very disappointed in the decision the public has made. I believe the impact on fire and life safety services in East Contra Costa will be severe operating with 3-stations to serve 100,000 people in 250 square miles is just very difficult,” said Young.

He also noted that he believes the District was thrown in with other Districts fire salaries.

“I suspect we are still operating under the shadow that employee compensation is excessive, that there should be no new taxes in the world and public services can still be provided for the same amount of money that were provided in the 1970’s and 1980’s,” explained Young. “At this point we really have no choice but to adjust our service model and develop the best 3-stiton model we can develop and try and provide reasonable service to the area.and hope at some point they will value the service, value the need of additional service and come and ask us to establish that and bring their check book with them.”

Director Greg Cooper says he was proud of the process calling it transparent but was surprised by the outcome of the vote saying he thought it move in favor of funding the District.

“The irony here is 9-firefighters will be covering 100,000 people every day. I come from an agency where I have 21-firefighrters covering 75,000 people and I would not go below that number,” said Cooper. “Although life safety will always be a priority when it comes to medical or fire, right behind that is my top concern is for our firefighters. We are going to have structure tactics, create policies and become crystal clear on the calls we will respond to and the calls we will not respond to.”

He highlighted this district can no longer have 3-engines running the amount of calls they run each year saying its just not going to work.

“We are going to run those guys into the ground, injuries are going to go up and I am not willing to do that,” said Cooper. “The voters made their decision and we are just going to have to adjust to that decision.”

Director Steve Smith said that what saddened him about this decision is his view of why they lost.

“What I sense is frankly is a severe political illness in this country where any area you go to you will find a sizable amount of people who just distrust all governments who assume that there has to be waste and they are not willing to examine this on a government by government basis,” explained Smith. “That is sad. If they really looked at us with an open mind and took the time to educate themselves at the various levels of government and various missions of government entities, they would see there are effective governments and there are in-effective governments. I happen to feel we are one of the most effective governments around. We have a definite mission and area, focused on that mission, but we get tarred in the minds of so many people just with the brush of being a government. It’s sad because I don’t see this attitude improving the situation at all. This no one everything attitude is wrong.”

He highlighted you are going to get better government when you take a look at government and reward the ones who are working effectively instead of just voting everything down.

“Unfortunately out here, we probably have a higher percentage with that mindset and that being said we have done the best and will do the best to serve with what we have. If someday people come in and say where were you when this awful thing happened? We will say where were you when we asked for the resources to be ready,” said Smith. “The public has made a choice and we will carry their choice into effect and god help us all.”

Board President Joel Bryant said trying to find a positive in this process is difficult but through the process they did update information and accumulate new information.

“I am very disappointed, not as a board member, but as a member of the community. We have just reduced the resource of the ECCFPD by 40%,” said Bryant.

He highlighted that 10-years ago a study was done where a report by CityGate was created where they suggested this area needed 10-fire stations. Brentwood alone has grown to 55,000 saying that 10 years ago that was the population of the District.

“Now we are tasked with trying to protect our families and our residents in this district with woefully inadequate resources. We have some of the most dedicated professional firefighters in my opinion that exist, they have for many years done so much more with less than anyone else that in effect, they have prevented this district the mindset from understanding how great the need was because they have gone above and beyond on every call,” said Bryant. ‘I am very concerned for our families, for our firefighters they may appear to be superhuman but they are men that are carrying the weight the burden the pressure emotion, mentally, physically of keeping everybody safe while we are at home sleep. They are up and out protecting us night and day. Now we have asked them to do a superhuman job by using 9 people to protect 110,000. Anyone who is reasonable can see those numbers are not going to equate to a comfortable level of public fire safety.”

Bryant thanked everyone for their effort in trying to present an accurate picture of the district to the public and believed they did that.

“Unfortunately, we are entering fire season in a drought with three firehouses. We have been accused in the past of trying to use scare tactics for trying to pass something well clearly the voters chose not to pass this so this cannot be accused of being scare tactics. Facts are this, you just almost cut your resources in half. The reality with three-stations if 10 people call 9-1-1 then six of them are not going to get someone within five-minutes and you have the potential of not getting anyone between 17-25 minutes,” said Bryant. “If you think that doesn’t matter because 80 percent are medicals then hold your breath for five-minutes… this is not an exaggeration, its where we are now. God help us all!”

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 4, at 6:30 p.m., inside the Oakley City Council Chambers.

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37 comments

John Q. Public Apr 28, 2015 - 9:24 am

Steve Smith and Joel Bryant’s comments make me sick. Based on their own commentary, they still don’t get it. The voters have continued to reject the tax and the board, however they are so deep in denial they continue to make excuses! It is sickening!!!!

Joel, Steve, we are so DONE with you and your lack of leadership. The only reason you remain is none of you were not elected to the fire board and in so much cannot easily be removed.

Neither Bryant or Smith and the rest of the board understands the first thing about politics, political will or the people they are supposed to serve. It’s called “taking responsibility”. That’s the real issue here and until that changes, nothing changes. Face it, people don’t trust you. Until you leave and real leadership is ELECTED, God help us all.

Steve Walker Apr 28, 2015 - 7:43 pm

You seem to have a lot to say, very opinionated, maybe its time to drop the pseudonym and quit hiding behind the cute little John Q. Public and own up to your comments. You’re insinuating that Smith and Bryant aren’t capable of leading, maybe its time somebody that knows whats going on, like you, ought to step up and do something. Or keep pecking away at your computer while hiding in your bedroom?

EastCountyToday Apr 28, 2015 - 8:53 pm

I would just like people to use “real names” when they comment and insult others–not that I want anyone to insult anyone on this page. I would like to see John Q. Public step up under his real name first, then see if he is capable of leading.

John Q. Public Apr 29, 2015 - 5:07 pm

Steve, being as you often post under a pseudonym (Walkers Planet) I think you are dancing with hypocrisy here. I have a multitude of reasons why I use a pseudonym and in doing so, shouldn’t diminish my opinion as it stands for itself. Being this is an opinion website, wherein the majority of posters post under pseudonyms, you are welcome to take it or leave it. Anyone following the issue, attending meetings or watching the board knows it to be true. Frankly, it doesn’t need defending.

I agree, someone that knows what’s going on should step up. Unfortunately for numerous reasons, that person is not me. How about you Steve? As a member of the Alameda co. fire department I’m sure your resume would help this failing board along. Or you could keep pecking away at your computer as well.

Into the hood Apr 28, 2015 - 10:07 am

Looks like the people want a lot for nothing. Keeping taking from the government and not give anything back. That’s why Richmond ships their people to your hood.

Julio Apr 28, 2015 - 11:07 am

I think from the beginning a few years ago this was a mess. Isn’t this the third one they tried? At some point everyone found out that lied about it. Another point the dollars and other statistics were in error so again lying. This board just doesn’t get it. No one trusts them. It not passing is the boards fault no matter who they try to blame. Look in the mirror folks. Clean house and get some real people in there.

Feel The Pain Apr 28, 2015 - 11:30 am

It looks as though most of the public is totally naïve of what is going to happen. 75% of the public did not return their ballot, pathetic to allow 13% of the ballots to over turn this 5 year assessment.

You need to go back and read the East County Editorial:

“Since ECCFPD is classified as a “Rural District”, it collects just 6 cents of every property tax dollar, while neighboring district Contra Costa Fire receives as much as 13 cents on the dollar. Those claiming a change to Prop 13 is the solution—technically they are correct, but it’s not anything that will be done in the next 24-months and anyone saying it can be done with this legislator is selling you fool’s gold.”

“While some claim cut firefighter salary, people are now confused by the damage done by other publications and a Taxpayer Association with erroneous information—the ECCFPD does not fall into that argument. Simply put, further cutting pay and benefits for ECCFPD firefighters is ridiculous as they are the lowest paid in the Bay Area.

As reported in February 2014, the ECCFPD works a 56-hour week with frozen salaries and are now paying more in their medical and retirement—technically their hourly take home is less than what is being shown in the chart below.

Note – CONFIRE recently received a raise and hourly salary has been increased which is not shown in the chart.

ECCFPD CONFIRE Alameda County
Battalion Chief $33.00 per hour $49.79 per hour $50.13 per hour
Fire Captain $20.60 per hour $37.43 per hour $39.83 per hour
Engineer $19.57 per hour $33.31 per hour $35.37 per hour
Firefighter $17.50 per hour $32.96 per hour $32.62 per hour ”

Please tell me how are Firefighter’s are over paid?

I cannot wait until one of the NO VOTES needs these life or death services and doesn’t get them in a timely manner and hires some ambulance chasing attorney to represent them and sue the Fire District for their late response like the bottom feeders they are.

$99.00 per year, to save someone’s HOME, PROPERTY or LIFE………..

I pray you will not have to feel this pain.

BF Apr 28, 2015 - 2:21 pm

“I cannot wait until one of the NO VOTES needs these life or death services and doesn’t get them in a timely manner and hires some ambulance chasing attorney to represent them and sue the Fire District for their late response like the bottom feeders they are.”

Bottom feeders? Maybe you union thugs need to check yourself before you wreck yourself with your hollow ass threats. Oh wait, too late.

AMF

Tiny Tim Apr 28, 2015 - 12:08 pm

I recall a Supervisor’s husband going to a meeting telling East Contra Costa they should feel the pain. Now close Station 59 so he and his supervisor wife can feel the pain first. Do as I say, not as I do.

East County voters need to wake the hell up and understand what is coming their way.

Retired Chief Apr 28, 2015 - 1:20 pm

Time to think about re-instating the Volunteer Firefighter. They serve proudly and professionally all over the United States. California Firefighter Unions definitely do not want this! It’s an option….

John Q. Public Apr 28, 2015 - 1:30 pm

Tiny Tim, you sure sound angry. It looks to me like all of your union firefighters are chiming in. Threats now? That sure didn’t take long. Congratulations, you just validated what the critics have said all along. Geeshhhh, I sure hope you are not a firefighter. The public has spoken and for all intents and purposes the Supervisors husband must have known more that the board. The voters proved him correct and the fireboard wrong. It’s time to wake the hell up to the fact that the voters have spoken loud an clear……. for the 3rd time!!! Denial is what is wrong with this fire district and yet you continue to perpetuate it. That is no solution.

“Feel the pain” complains that many voters did not return their ballots but failed to recognize the obvious. If those that didn’t followed the trend the loss would have been that much greater. What is pathetic, is that the city councils of both Brentwood and Oakley, who were granted passive voting by their citizens proved once again that they are out of touch with the will of the people they represent. While the councils voted yes, the people they serve voted no. Democracy at its very best. For your information, the citizens have woken up and they are very unhappy with the local leadership.

For why Apr 28, 2015 - 1:58 pm

Can you explain your dollar amounts with yes and no votes? Not sure I understand your point.

Hope and Change Apr 28, 2015 - 2:07 pm

Is East Contra Costa County correctly defined as “rural”? If not, can the label be changed?

Listen to the people Apr 28, 2015 - 7:13 pm

It is only rural until they want money. Then it is urban and compared to Oakland and SF Fire. Union 1230 is putting this district out of business.

jb Apr 28, 2015 - 2:28 pm

So now how many years have been wasted trying to patch up a busted organization by failed attempts to pump in new tax $$? In my opinion, all the blame goes to the BOS for shirking their responsibility and trying to hide from reality. The likelihood of this passing was not high ….but what contingency was being worked on besides reducing service?

Get rid of this worthless fire board and cause the elected officials to do their job. The BOS has retained direct board responsibility for Con Fire but attempted to hand this mess off. Just like this was destine to fail, BOS seats will get new occupants in the next cycle and those elected should be handed a mandate to step up on this issue.

Seek to reclassify this FD as something other than rural. Who has actually attempted to do this? How much noise has been made by the glad hand politicos who love to crank out silly new laws but neglect their core responsibilities.

Create a new Public Safety Model/Entity for CCC. Definitely include both multi community FD’s from day one. Include other organizations as determined beneficial. Move forward with a white-board solution that is designed to meet future needs….

Recognize that some FD’s in the bay area are over compensated and stop using a failed comparison so to always be crying poor. Not everyone is going to earn the same amount.

Anonymous Apr 28, 2015 - 3:17 pm

@jb

Wow, someone’s “crazy” button is stuck again. For a guy that tries to come across as *all knowing*, you should probably use that search option on your keyboard before posting so much BS. Your typical know it all disposition proves once again that the more you write the more you expose the depth of your ignorance.
For an out of state, unemployed, self appointed yacker, you certainly take every opportunity to expose your narcissistic behavior. Thanks for letting us know you are still as frustrated as ever. Cheers!

jb Apr 28, 2015 - 5:20 pm

Remind me what it is called when, in an attempt to deflect the conversation, you attack the person rather than address specifically what the person is saying.

Support Public Safety Apr 28, 2015 - 6:11 pm

Let me help you with that, Jeff.

The idea appears to be poorly formulated and has no legal basis in current California Constitutional law for either the formation process or the funding of the proposed entity.

It is based on a complete lack of understanding of current California Fire & Safety code and does not offer even rudimentary analysis of the political viability or the fiscal impacts of pursuing the concept. A requisite for any serious proposal involving government delivered services. The primary, if not sole focus of the outline appears to be cost savings, with little regard, if any, given to actual quality of services delivered.

The fact that this illegal outline has not evolved one iota from the first time it was floated, despite every opportunity for the author to educate himself on California law as it pertains to such entities, is not addressed and will have to remain a mystery to the readership.

It relies on the concept of neighboring communities subsidizing your fire department and it belittles middle class wage earners purely because they work in the private sector. It implies all costs over and above some arbitrary number that one disproportionately empowered individual(you imply that is you) deems acceptable will be born by the public employees now and in the future.

Further it implies that monies will be raided from mandated core services that ARE within the purview of the County, as established by law, to fund services NOT mandated by existing law.

The outline, as you posted above, closes with the implication that you have been somehow made the sole arbiter in determining what compensation is appropriate for professional firefighters in the Bay Area.

I think in some places that makes you officially “Comrade Barber”, but I’m not clear what it makes you here, since we are deliberately avoiding name calling being that you’re feeling a bit butt hurt right now on account of an earlier post.

Did I miss addressing any highlights of your outline? Did I keep it sufficiently on-topic enough for your approval, Sir?

John Q. Public Apr 29, 2015 - 5:21 pm

Support Public Safety, nicely put! I have noticed that jb always posts the same nonsensical comments of some hypothetical responsibility by the county board of supervisors in regards to east co. and contra costa fire services. Presumably trying to argue with a broken record gets old. Sooner or later you must address the damaged record and question the record player itself.

After reading your response to him, I went ahead and inquired myself.

You were right, fire departments are not the funding responsibility of the county. They are protection districts with their own special funding very separate from the county funds. I believe jb should check into this as well (its not difficult at all) or he can continue to open himself up to further criticisms.

Anonymous Apr 30, 2015 - 9:48 am

jb, It could be called, exposing the messenger. It’s difficult to believe that you had to be reminded. You see, there may still be a few people that have no idea who or what you are. You have quite a documented history of being a self appointed expert on anything and everything with an abusive delivery, no people skills and no support. That is not meant as a personal attack, it’s simply a reflection of your actions and after all, you asked for it.

None of what you proclaim ever comes close to reality nor do you take the time to listen or learn. You keep rolling out the same old message over and over as if repeating so many times might qualify it. It doesn’t.

In the spirit of sticking with the issue, it is germane to address your tactics as well as your history. You have little to offer when 99 percent of what you have to say solely exists in that space between your ears. I believe it is the root of your personal frustration and why everyone dismisses you. I’m positive it is not the first time and wont by any stretch be the last time you feel this way. It just the way you are wired. Most people grow out of it during an age of maturity.

EastCountyToday Apr 28, 2015 - 5:58 pm

Stick to the topic please. Not personal attacks.

Listen to the people Apr 28, 2015 - 7:16 pm

Ya Bob. Stop bein a bit….

jb Apr 30, 2015 - 1:10 pm

So I just saw this bloggers post on the Q&A he did with the woman running for CA Senate. I took a look to see if he asked her about this issue and he did. She gave a vague one sentence response that really said nothing. I suggest to this blogger, since he is in communication with her, to follow up and obtain from her a list of her past, present and proposed actions related to the question he asked. If she is to be considered for this higher office, given all her time already in office, surely she must have a long list of actions she has engaged in to achieve the ‘technical solution’ that she states she is looking for. I would suggest since she was a ccc bos member that she be very specific.

East Contra Costa Fire Protection District has a funding problem based on Prop 13. Should the state look at Prop 13 re-allocations for rural fire districts across the state to get updated funding since they are no longer rural?
Yes – we must look for careful technical solutions that protect local taxpayers while ensuring public safety.

If she is not capable of or unwilling to engage in further answering questions related this important question then I would suggest this candidate receive no support from those in ccc who are concerned about public safety.

To be real clear ……in my mind, if she can not provide a whole list of actions she has ALREADY engaged in, at the state level, related to reallocation of tax dollars to ‘former’ rural FD’s then she is just another typical worthless California politico who says what they think people want to hear so to get reelected and keep their cushy job and befits. I stand ready to be proven wrong.

Buy a Clue Apr 30, 2015 - 5:46 pm

Jefe, unless you’re prepared to engage in voter fraud by voting from your Utah home base, why would you care about Susan Bonilla?

Are you annoying the shit out of voters in Texas too or did you save all your half-baked political wisdom up for us?

Julio Apr 28, 2015 - 2:38 pm

I think historically these post card ballots are a mistake. They don’t get mailed back and other reasons. Not taken seriously for sure. I would not have used this method for something this important.

Feel The Pain Apr 28, 2015 - 4:44 pm

BF,

Sorry, not a union thug, quite the opposite Sr. Management and a realist about essential Fire Service protection that I am willing to pay for.

AMF yourself

BF Apr 28, 2015 - 6:02 pm

Feel the pain, Sr. Management huh? Does that mean they let you drive the fire truck or just hold the hose?

I’ll wager they didn’t teach you about democracy in those management classes. Probably to busy teaching you terms like “bottom feeders”. Or maybe your just sour because the majority prevailed?

AMF back atcha’

Mike in ca Apr 28, 2015 - 6:15 pm

You get what you pay for.

Those that pay the least usually cry the most when they need Emergency Services .

But a quilt work of fire protection will probably come out of this.called “Mutual Aid Mooching”.Just remember that adjoining fire districts,whither Con Fire, Cal Fire , Stockton and Tracey will all chage some kind of user fee for their equipment and personnel use after a couple of hours.

What I find offensive is those who quote “Rush Iimbaugh” regarding the firefighters calling the “bottom feeders”

As if working an office taking oders from the Kobh Bros and Grover Norquist.

He couldn’t pay a firefighters entry test , so it’s all sour grapes.

Pat Coughlin Apr 28, 2015 - 7:29 pm

I respectfully suggest that the district look at a staffing option that is now trending nationally. A growing number of fire departments are augmenting smaller career crews with college student/firefighters. They work full time while in school at local colleges and receive free tuition for their services in lieu of salaries. Fire departments typically can support two college student/firefighters for the cost of one career firefighter. I describe some of the programs at http://www.fdexcellence.com.

Support Public Safety Apr 29, 2015 - 10:33 pm

To get this mythical 2 for 1 thing you’ve promoted you would have to pay the college kids less than $9/hr. or less than a Starbucks Barista.

I’m guessing you are either not aware of the low pay situation here or just didn’t think it through. But it’s a pretty sad day in America when it’s come down to residents expecting to pay sub living wages for professional firefighters.

This is the mentality you see with a decaying superpower that is fast adopting the mindset of a third world country, IMO.

smartest guy in the room Apr 29, 2015 - 5:22 pm

I sit here in amazement. East County Voters were totally duped by the “Contra Costa Taxpayers Association”, the group funded by big oil refiners. They manipulate gas prices everyday, and now they have manipulated voters with their CoCo Tax Group. So sad that you all were fooled. All of you that love reading Boringstein, his paycheck is from the oil folks also. His hate agenda is well funded by the coco tax group via big oil.

Listen to the people Apr 29, 2015 - 7:25 pm

The many solutions and ideas provided over the several years have been heard with deaf ears. Remember, the union controls this district and it is the union that will make it fall. They need to stop playing with the safety of the public to protect their empire.

Oraldno Wilco Apr 29, 2015 - 7:32 pm

Pat C,

Awesome suggestion, but I highly doubt the union will favor that.

Union May 1, 2015 - 12:39 pm

The Union,
It’s been a while since I have responded to comments on this website. It seems to me the discussions never go anywhere so why bother making a factual point to only have it completely ignored. With that, please don’t take this post as trying to change anyone’s opinion. Since I am the current president of the union that represents the ECCFPD firefighters and who is referred to several times in this thread and others, consider this a statement for the record.

When the fire district was formed in 2002, the plan was to create a professional fire district that could provide fire protection for all those who were in the district. When the district was formed, those who formed it knew a new revenue source was going to be needed. The taxes alone would not fund the department and it would not be enough to keep up with the growth the area was going through.
Those who were responsible for the services in their community felt that the fire district’s governing body needed to be a local board. It was under the Board of Supervisors at the time. The other issue that continues today is the issue over volunteers and paid on calls. (the district is currently a 100% paid department and many call for bringing back volunteers).

In 2005/6 a work group was put together of all stakeholders including labor, (this was my introduction to ECCFPD). The group was formed to review the recommendations made in a fire service study that was done by a company called Citigate. The recommendations included more stations, increased staffing, paramedic service, and MONEY. Much more revenue then was requested of the public in Measure S or the benefit assessment. It recommended 10 fire stations. The work group debated about local control and felt that if local control was not accomplished; going out for any new revenue would be a loser. The group disbanded and efforts toward local control were started.
The first fire board of Local leaders was formed. They came on the board with ideas of ways to provide the services necessary for their communities and found that the there was a revenue shortage. They attempted to pass Measure S.
The next board came on with the same ideas of looking at the budget and trying to figure out how to provide the service necessary for their communities. They too concluded that the fire district needed more revenue and attempted the recent benefit assessment that failed.

We are back to square one. Instead of the recommended 10 fire stations, there will be three. 10 stations would mean 30 firefighters on duty; three stations are 9 firefighters on duty. The ICMA recommends 1 firefighter per 1000 people. East County has 110,000 people with 9 firefighters on duty to protect them and their property. You can do the math.

Now as the UNION perspective: Our concerns are as follows:

My responsibility as the labor representative for the firefighters is primarily wages, hours, and working conditions:

Wages:

They are the lowest paid in the county by over 50% in certain ranks. Every firefighter hired under the grant has left for better paying jobs. This is 14 firefighters. Those that remain are the original firefighters that were here during the creation of the district, with an average age over 40, now doing the work of 30 firefighters. East County will continue to be the training ground for other fire departments if addressing this issue is not a consideration. As with the private sector; paying competitive wages is a necessity like it or not. I have friends who work for major corporations who lose talent to other corporations who offer better pay and benefits on a regular basis. The pay and benefits of the ECCFPD firefighters is not the problem.

Hours:

Due to the lack of staffing and the injuries created by a heavy workload, firefighters are having to all work extra shifts to maintain the current 4 station model (some volunteer to do some of the extra shifts but now many are being forced). This problem will be resolved with the closure of the 4th station later this month.

Working Conditions:

This is the immediate focus of Local 1230. Not only do you have a work force of aging firefighters with no new younger firefighters anywhere on the horizon; there are no plans to address their pay; and they are working in a community that has refused to assist with new revenue. This brews apathy and low morale. Despite these things, we still have to put fires out, cut people out of cars, respond to heart attacks, strokes, diabetics, and all other types of hazards and accidents with only 9 firefighters. The number of 911 calls and emergency do not change with the staffing of the fire district. The fire district is 250 square miles with a population of 110,00, and runs over 8000 calls per year. The East County Firefighters are hard working, and dedicated employees but this cannot be done.
This not only impacts the safety of the firefighters, but the community as well. As we go through this summer with the drought, you can be assured that there will be an increase in injuries, by the nature of our job and the increased work load and lack of manpower.
It’s the responsibility of the community and the leaders they elect to provide the resources necessary for public safety, not the unions. Local 1230 has cooperated to the fullest; at the bargaining table and by working with the community and elected leaders to find a solution to maintain adequate staffing and services.

The problem isn’t board members, firefighters or the union. I have seen over 20 different board members since 2006. Every one of them came on the board planning to find the magic solution but eventually come to the same conclusion; there is a significant revenue problem. They have changed our station models, modified our pay and benefits and held back on pay increases. Pensions have been reformed. We are millions off folks.

In conclusion:

Having been involved in this intimately for 9 years, I personally believe, as Vince Wells; the district should be dissolved and we need to start all over. The District is made up of two cities, and the unincorporated areas of the county with differing needs and opinions. Trying to solve this problem as such a large and diverse group has proven to be a loser. The ECCFPD was created out of good intentions, but as we say in the field after a failed attempt to resuscitate someone “its time to call it, April 27, 1800 hours” and discontinue resuscitative efforts. Gather the stakeholders, dissolve the ECCFPD, and allow each agency to come up with other options. A 60 day contingency plan is being developed as we speak. It will include, closing a station, eliminating response to certain calls, changes in strategies and tactics on the fire grounds, availability for community events, and impacts to development of property both current and future.

As the union, I am proud of what we have fought for and will continue working for a solution. I have personally fought to provide adequate fire protection for East County for the past 9 years. I am proud to fight for the members of our profession who protect lives and property. As a veteran who fought for my country and as a fire captain paramedic working in Con Fire; I am proud to represent those who put their lives on the line everyday for their community. It’s an honor.

Boomer May 1, 2015 - 9:49 pm

Disclosure: I don’t live there and I will only slightly be impacted by the service reductuons.

What crushing sadness. This is how little this community thinks of itself. Less than 25% return of a vote allowing the further destroy their own community services. There is no way this can unfold from here that will not ultimately cost more more money and drastically reduced coverage that marginalizes human life. This sad community allowed itself to be swayed by myopic columnists weak politicians and tax associations that were looking for twitter hits and political clout. They certainly did not (and still dont) have the peoples best interest in mind.

Just some food for thought, If you dont know what theses people do and what they are trained to do how do you know you are overpaying them?
Hint: if your answer has a lot of superlatives hyperbole and metaphors in it you’ve revealed you are an idiot.

Very concerned May 1, 2015 - 9:49 pm

Vince, the district was formed as joint combination district. The union is directly resonsible for the failure. This is because your Union has totally destroyed that model of which the district was created for. 10 stations would definitely be in service today if not for the union interferince. You can say anything you want but the public is tired of the games and lies. You are correct when you say start over. This however needs to be strictly according to the original LAFCO formation documents. Suck it up and be a team player, not a union dictator. Here come the lawsuits because people have been put at life threatening risk because the original combination model was ignored.

Union May 1, 2015 - 11:20 pm

@very concerned,

Who are you? Be more specific please. If you have been involved in this process and know me personally, you wouldn’t describe me that way. Its these types of comments that don’t lead to any progress, We can change union reps, board members, fire chiefs, city council members and boards of supes and not get anywhere. Explain what you mean and say who you are so people can decide whether you are a credible blogger. My email is [email protected]. We can discuss your concerns off this site as well.
The communities within the district are without adequate fire and emergency services. To me, that is very serious and the blame game is old, whether you feel I am at fault or not. What do you suggest we do? Send me an email so we can discuss a solution without the grand standing on the blogs. Dictator is a low blow. If you know me you know that isn’t true.
We are looking for realistic suggestions. I have always fought for adequate services in this jurisdiction so please explain yourself instead of putting the blame on me or my union.

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