Town considers full-time training officer
posted 10/12/04
Friday Harbor Town Council will consider a request by Fire Chief Bob Low to increase the fire department's training officer from part-time to full-time. Councilmember Carrie Brooks said, "He can't live on half time, that's why we are looking at it."
Councilmembers Wally Gillette and David Jones thought the increase in hours was needed. Jones, who is a firefighter, said there is training that isn't being done now, that could be done if the training officer was full-time.
Councilmembers Howie Rosenfeld and Debbie Emery questioned the need for the increased staffing. Rosenfeld said, "We owe it the to town's residents
to look at the alternative, which is combining the fire depts. He (training officer) accepted the position on the basis of half-time. We need to look at all sides of this,
not just salute it and throw money at it."
The council is preparing the 2005 budget. The decision on the training officer will be made at a future meeting. The idea needs three votes for approval.
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