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Belleair Bluffs fire fighters support merger
| Article published on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 |
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Editor:
The Belleair Bluffs Fire Fighters’ Association, affiliated with Local 1158, would like to announce our support of a merger with Largo Fire Rescue.
We feel that this merger could be beneficial to the citizens and the firefighters due to our 20-year history of working side by side with Largo Fire Rescue.
However, though we support the merger we have some major concerns, especially since this merger is said to be the Pinellas County model of consolidation.
First, we would like the citizens to know and understand that we stand by the oath we took when hired to protect the safety and welfare of all the citizens we serve. You will continue to be our priority, which is why we are concerned with major consolidation details such as life safety, run times, and station proximity to our current service areas.
We are also concerned that you, the citizens, are comfortable with this merger and know that the engine you see currently with the fire fighters who have devoted their careers to the Belleair Bluffs Fire Department will still be here for you in the future. We agree with State Representatives Janet Long and Jim Frishe that the current economic downturn requires consolidation, but that consolidation needs to be thoughtfully planned out.
Although we understand that consolidation is a necessity for cost savings, we feel that we do not need to reinvent the wheel. In the state of Florida, specifically Miami Dade County, Orange County and Seminole County, there have been successful merger situations which not only saved taxpayer money, but provided minimal impact to both the citizens and their fire department.
Since Belleair Bluffs and Largo have a past and current relationship involving the fire department, we are hoping for a seamless merger which will have no impact on the citizens or the fire fighters. We invite all citizens to ask any questions of us and visit our Web site at www.bbffa.net for updates.
Macho D. Liberti
Firefighter and spokesman for Belleair Bluffs Fire Fighters Association
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Article published on Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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