Raleigh’s fire chief and its firefighters union continue their war of words over staffing levels at the department.
The union says the 68 vacancies in the department and continuing attrition means rigs are being taken out of service, lowering the level of protection for residents.
The chief, meanwhile, assures the public that all calls are being answered and the city is recruiting new firefighters to try to beef up staffing.
Chief Herbert Griffin told ABC 11 a social media post about the short staffing by the union is “fear-mongering” and “scare tactics.”
“When the community calls, you will have a truck responding,” the chief says.
Union President Andy Davis says, however, attrition will likely continue. And, he notes, the bonuses the city is offering to attract firefighters from other departments results in the new hires making more than existing firefighters, which he says will encourage more departures.
