At meeting today with Fire union members, we were told that the union sought an 8 percent across-the-board raise for all ranks during the negotiations on the recently approved bargaining agreement. However,…
Tag: Fire protection
Staffing comparison
How does Pensacola Fire Department staffing compare with Port Orange: Fire Chief: Port Orange 1 â Pensacola 1 Division Chief: Port Orange 4 â Pensacola 0 Deputy Fire Chief: Port Orange 0…
Pensacola Fire Expensive
According to US Census, Pensacola has a population, as of July 2006, of 53,248. Port Orange has 54,851. Margate has 55,974. Sarasota has 52,942. Pensacola has 138 employees in its fire department…
Bait and Switch: City fire fees
The first of a series of attempts by local government to switch from property taxes to a flat fees is about to occur if the Pensacola City Council approves a $377 annual…
Unified Fire Service delayed two more years
The delays and stall tactics continue. This time its at the county level with fire protection. Last June, a citizen task force advised the county consolidate its volunteer and paid fire departments…
Firefighter letter to BOCC
From the Firefighters Union: August 22, 2007 Dear Commissioner, Since March ‘07, the Escambia County Professional Firefighters Union has presented the County with numerous unsafe situations for the career personnel, the citizens…
More than just smoke
Firefighting in Escambia County is in shambles. You can spin it a dozen different ways. You can pit the paid firefighters union against the volunteers. You can single out certain individuals for…
Audit Findings – Significant Potential Liability
From the report by the Escambia Clerk of Courts: We believe the volunteer fire departments are misinterpreting the Firefighter I exemptions granted by the State, and the non-certified volunteers are being allowed…
VFD Audit – Draft Copy
The Escambia County Clerk of Courts office has finished its audit of the volunteer fire departments and submitted a draft of its findings to County Administrator George Touart. The findings aren’t good….
County ready to improve fire safety
From Editor Duwayne Escobedo: With dozens of volunteer and career firefighters in the audience at today’s Escambia County Commission meeting, all five commissioners expressed support for recommendations from a citizens committee that…
Draft: Fire Safety Committee makes recommendations
The special committee appointed by the Escambia Co. Commissioners to review fire safety is about to announce their recommendations. This is a draft and hasn’t been approved by the committee. There will…
State Fire Marshall letter
We finally received a copy of the letter from the State Fire Marshall on his investigation of the Escambia County Volunteer Fire Departments. There are some serious allegations being investigated. Read:Â Fire…