By Stefanie Scott
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WAUWATOSA, Wis. — With Fire Station 2 potentially facing the loss of one firefighter per shift, the aldermen for Wauwatosa’s northernmost district are worried their constituents’ safety might be jeopardized because a backup ambulance that serves the area would have to be taken out of service.
“I don’t agree with reducing staff or service,” Alderman Jason Wilke said. “Wauwatosa sits at a crossroads.
Look at how many people come and go from this city.” Fellow Alderman Craig Wilson supported his position.
And not only do the residents expect excellent emergency services, the city needs to serve a large mall, hospitals and numerous large employers, city officials say.
But the city’s proposed 2011 budget calls for the staff reduction at the station, located just north of Capitol Drive on Mayfair Road.
Only one ambulance would be left Station 2 has a backup ambulance that already isn’t in service 40 to 60 percent of the time because existing staffing isn’t adequate to run both rigs at the same time, city officials said.
During those times, calls for paramedics have to be answered by a crew from one of the other two Wauwatosa stations or by another community’s fire department.
Firefighters union President Hank Wendt said he has heard the term “minimal impact” used repeatedly by city officials and consultants when referring to the effect of reduced staffing.
But if it means a person experiencing chest pain or blood loss has to wait a few more minutes for help, they might not consider the ramifications minor, he said.
The backup ambulance responds to about 1,000 calls per year at this point. To put the rig back in service full time would cost about $280,000, or about $1 per household per month, he said.
“That’s what I would call a minimal impact,” he said of the cost.
Consultant’s study a separate issue A consulting firm recently came up with 17 areas in which the Fire Department could improve efficiency — including reducing staffing.
But City Administrator James Archambo said the proposed downsizing of three positions at Station 2 is not a response to a consultant’s study. It’s just a matter of balancing the 2011 budget.
Consultants actually suggested reducing overall department staffing by 15 to 33 people per day.
For now, the Budget Committee decided further discussion — likely more than could be accomplished before finalizing the next budget — is needed before trying to implement the consultant’s recommendations.
“It’s not something we’re going to hash out tonight,” Chairman Brian Ewerdt said at a meeting last week.
Instead, a task force may be formed to go through the 17 recommendations and determine which ones merit pursuing.
In the meantime, the committee is waiting until Oct. 14 to vote on the Fire Department’s budget so residents can have time to provide feedback on it.
Copyright 2010 Journal Sentinel Inc.