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Firefighting force gets more people
Santa Paula temporarily adds 3 engineers
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More from Local NewsThe Santa Paula Fire Department was given three temporary engineer positions, a brief fix to a problem the fire chief said he hopes will be addressed with permanent positions.
Fire Chief Rick Araiza said he plans to move three firefighters from Station 81 to Station 82 within the next week and give them temporary engineer positions in light of the City Council's 3-2 vote Monday evening. One reserve will move from 82 to 81 to help fill the gap.
Araiza asked the council for extra engineers because captains, on several occasions, have done the jobs of engineers when no qualified ones were with their company.
During a fire, a captain has myriad duties, including assessing the scene before and on arrival, setting up a plan and communicating with bystanders. Doing the job of an engineer would require him to drive and pump the engine.
Although the positions should increase safety, Araiza also said he hopes to hire full-time engineers.
When the department started using reserve firefighters about two years ago, some qualified and performed as engineers. But 36 reserves have left, creating a need for engineers and prompting Araiza to ask for help.
Acting City Manager Kathy Campbell said the positions are a temporary solution, and the council needs to have a discussion in May on "a permanent solution" for the 2007-08 budget.
Araiza said he believes the best option for the city would be to hire three full-time engineers, which would cost nearly $222,000.
The temporary positions will cost the department about $4,000. The money comes from vacancies that were not filled in the first quarter of this fiscal year, fire and city officials said.
The positions will last until the end of this fiscal year, June 30.
Posted by AngryYouth on May 1, 2007 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny how the fire department gets 3 more positions and there's an article about it but the same police department get 2 new positions week or two earlier and there is NO ARTICLE !
Posted by SPwoman on May 2, 2007 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wait a minute. The comment above has to be a joke. The fire dept. and police dept. should be working together and supporting each other, not worrying over getting in the press. My god, is this what concerns are now...who gets in an article. Give me a break, there is a lot more to worry about such keeping our citizens and community safe. I'm embarressed for the person who wrote that comment.
Posted by SPwoman on May 2, 2007 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way, I'm glad both departments were able to get new positions as it is much needed. Utilize the resources and ensure safety for the public! You guys are great!
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