SLC Mayor Says Shifting Fire Resources Would Not Harm Service

Jun 03, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

(KCPW News) With a $23 million gap between how much Salt Lake City has to work with for next year's budget and the needs of every department, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker wants to save half a million dollars by moving equipment and firefighters out of station five in the 9th and 9th area. Although he's been met with resistance from the fire department, Becker says no one's convinced him that this would harm local businesses or residents.

"I have yet to see any information that contradicts what we received at the time we submitted the budget, that says that a redeployment of our fire services in a way that closes the fire function at fire station five, won't still provide the level of service that we expect in Salt Lake City, which is higher than anywhere else in the state," said the mayor.

Becker believes that some firefighters have been frightening businesses and residents with their opposition to the plan. The station would remain open to respond to medical calls, and the mayor expects no firefighters would be laid off.

Acting fire chief Dennis McKone would not comment today because the budget process is ongoing, but told the city council he's not "sold" on the idea of closing the station in a meeting three weeks ago.

"When firefighters get into a station in Salt Lake City, it doesn't take them long before they become very proud of that area and take ownership in that district. They are very dedicated to that area that they serve," said McKone on May 13th.

Still, McKone said that firefighters at surrounding stations would be able to respond within a five-minute window. The city council is still discussing and tweaking the mayor's budget, which will be ratified later this month.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW