tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-615540480649619994.post1975768250816084322..comments2023-12-20T09:43:12.402-08:00Comments on Skoop's Blog: Sign of the TimesTim Skubickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11498943340853358620noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-615540480649619994.post-611037598297860802011-03-23T17:03:16.572-07:002011-03-23T17:03:16.572-07:00I just wanted to inform my fellow neighbors that 1...I just wanted to inform my fellow neighbors that 12 more Firefighters were laid off from the Clinton Twp fire department effective March 23, 2011. The firefighters were not even given any notice, as this happened at the township board meeting on Monday March 21, 2011, during the budget process. At its peak, several years ago, the department had 87 firefighters. As of today there are 55 firefighters, and soon to be 53 firefighters when two more retire in a couple of weeks. In the early 2000’s we voted on mil increase for the fire department to increase its staffing, start an ALS program, purchase a new ladder truck, renovate current fire stations, and build new fire stations. I am sorry to say today the Township has sold the ladder truck at a huge loss, laid off at least 19 firefighters, not filled vacant positions, do to attrition. And now, according to the board meeting may shut down a new fire station, because of lack of staffing. All this after we voted years ago for our fire department to increase staffing, and grow with our community. Also, at this meeting the police department will loose two police officer positions. This draws great concerns of public safety, and the direction our township board is leading us. This was all masked in the budget process, and seeming rushed through. The board votes consisted of; Supervisor Canon-YES, Treasure Sowerby-YES, Trustee Hornung-YES, Trustee West-YES, Clerk Fitzgerald-NO, Trustee Pearl-NO, and Trustee Reynolds-NO. This is a sad day for public safety in Clinton Township. We seem to be moving in the wrong direction. If this frustrates you I encourage you to contact your elected officials. <br /><br /> Sincerely,<br /> Clinton Twp. VoterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com