Fire-ology & apparatus firegeezer on 16 Sep 2008 08:34 am
Indiana City Boosts FD Budget, Investigates Maintenance Problems
THE EVANSVILLE, INDIANA, CITY COUNCIL took actions Monday night to improve the city’s fire department.
According to the Evansville Courier & Press, Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel said the city is investigating complaints of significant maintenance delays for the fire department’s vehicle fleet, including allegations that mechanics signed off on repairs without completing them.
Evansville FD Engine 10 (EFD photo)
The investigation will focus on the department’s repair shop, where changes already are under way. A supervisor has been appointed to oversee the shop’s mechanics and every maintenance request is being reviewed, and all of the department’s trucks will be assessed.
Council also significantly boosted the small equipment funds for both the police and the fire deparments. The Fire Department’s “hoses and nozzles account,” which covers items such as computer equipment, was increased from $13,340 to $94,340.
Councilman Jeff Kniese, who suggested the changes, said the equipment for police and fire is “atrocious” and called for even more funding for those items. “I still think we need more money directed toward equipment that is sorely needed,” said Kniese, R-1st Ward. The Evansville FD has 14 stations staffed by 274 career FF’s.
Read the complete report in the Courier & Press HERE.
Evansville Fire Dept. WEBSITE.
Local 357 WEBSITE.
