Belleville should combine its volunteer and career sections of the fire department so that eventually it will operate as one department, according to a consultant’s report.
It says combining the two sections is a ‘critical part of setting the stage for delivery of Fire and Emergency Services.”
President Jim Donovan of the Belleville Professional Fire Fighters Association declined to comment on the report to Quinte News at this time.
Donovan tells Quinte News he will be meeting with his executive committee over the next two weeks on the issue, and could be ready to make a statement then.
Belleville Volunteer Fire Fighters are members of the Christian Labour Association of Canada.
Local spokesman Volunteer Dave McMullen told Quinte News the report “is a good step in the right direction.”
The report, just made public and which Quinte News has just obtained, establishes prevention and education, rather than fire suppression, as what should be the primary purpose of the fire service.
It points to greater efficiency by realigning emergency response areas.
It indicates relocating Station Number Two will maintain or improve coverage into areas of Belleville north of Highway 401, and improve first vehicle response to southwest Belleville.
The report says second vehicle coverage to south and southeast Belleville may take an additional 60 seconds but is still within standards.
There is a list of recommendations for staff movements and public education needs, with an emphasis on prevention.
It says the department should have a policy to move it from a reactive to a proactive fire prevention stance that addresses the needs and circumstances of Belleville.
Another recommendation: Vacant fire prevention staff positions should be filled by educators rather than firefighters.
This week, city council established a Protective Services Advisory Committee to consider the recommendations.
You can read the full report by CLICKING HERE
Then click on the city council agenda.
