The Tacoma Firefighters Union warned that the city’s proposed budget could hurt response times due to insufficient resources even as the department struggles with high call volumes and outdated apparatus.
Firefighters highlighted critical challenges, including low staffing and outdated equipment at a press conference, King 5 reports. Firefighter Ryan Pregent described a recent incident where his engine responded to a car fire over 10 minutes away, only to find that the fire pump failed, requiring manual intervention to operate, King 5 reports.
Union President Alison Heinzman stated that the department’s average response times are now double the standard. The city’s proposed budget would eliminate 16 “rover” positions, which are critical for filling gaps in staffing to reduce overtime. Even with these positions funded, Heinzman warned, the department would still fall short of meeting operational standards.
Tacoma City Councilmember Joe Bushnell responded by noting that approximately two-thirds of the city’s $641 million general fund is allocated to public safety, including a $13 million increase in fire department funding. However, the city acknowledged that eliminating the rover program could further extend times.
