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Volunteer Firefighters
in Cairo (N.Y.) believe the board that oversees their department is putting a
price tag on their lives. Five firemen resigned from top positions in the
company, claiming they can’t in good faith lead fellow firefighters
into danger.
The firefighters want one brand of gear that meets current safety standards,
but is more expensive. The fire commission is looking to buy another brand,
not yet on the recommended list.
An air pack alarm could mean the difference between life and death for a
firefighter. It’s also the sound that triggered Gerry Buckley to step
down as chief of the Cairo Fire Department.
"I don’t want to put anyone in jeopardy, especially as a
volunteer. It’s ridiculous that you risk your life and then argue about
safety gear," Former Cairo Fire Chief Gerry Buckley said.
The Cairo Board of Fire Commissioners wants to replace the department’s
expired air packs with a more affordable model. The firefighters worry that
cost cutting puts them in danger. Members of the Fire Commission argue the
quality of the two brands being considered is equal.
"It’s a balance. We maintain paramount is providing the best
protection and safety for our firefighters, but also getting the best bang
for the buck for the town," Cairo Fire Commissioner Darrel Hudson said.
The new air packs the fire commissioners intend to buy are currently under
safety standard review. Just because they haven’t been ranked yet,
doesn’t mean they won’t be.
But the volunteers who wear them say they can’t wait for that
classification -- they need quality gear now.
"You leave work, home, parties, christenings to come and do the right
thing for the community. We’re asking the community to back us,"
Buckley said.
The fire commissioners are confident their pack preference will meet safety
guidelines and add they are just that, guidelines.
"It’s not like a OSHA rule. They set standards, which are a
recommendation," Hudson
said.
The cost difference between the two types of packs is about $1,000.
There’s a community meeting to discuss this controversy at the Cairo
Fire House Monday night.
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