EMERALD PUSHES NEW FIRE SAFETY POLICY

June 29, 2010 (San Diego) -- Concerned about potentially deeper cuts to fire safety, San Diego City Councilmember Marti Emerald is pushing for a new Council policy. She will introduce the new safety plan at the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Wednesday, June 30th, at 2 p.m.
 

“Fire engines are already browned out affecting response times. The last thing we want to do is water down our Fire and Rescue Services even more,” says Emerald.

The Councilmember is responding to reports that City management is contemplating cuts in the size of fire crews, from four firefighters to three on equipment responding to emergencies.
 

“That could have a serious affect on a fire crew’s ability to put out a fire or save a life,” according to the Councilmember. So, Emerald will be recommending a new binding Council Policy that would require four-person crews on fire engines and trucks. “Without this minimum level of staffing, we put San Diegans at risk,” added Emerald.
 

Councilmember Emerald chairs the Public Safety & Neighborhood Services Committee (PS&NS).