Speak out in favor of Fire and Rescue levy

Andrew Carver
Published: March 24, 2008

Soon the Manassas City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed Fire and Rescue Department Levy. The purpose of this levy is to fund the additional staffing requested by the fire and rescue services and to provide the money for current operations. The levy would, in part, eliminate the funding of fire and rescue services from property tax assessments. We are in a desperate situation in Manassas and these additional positions are sorely needed if we are to continue to provide the level of service our community deserves.

Over the past several years, the number of the volunteers in fire and rescue departments across the country has steadily declined. The reality is fewer people live where they work. Civilian employers have become more and more demanding of employees and less and less understanding of volunteers leaving the workplace to respond to calls. Additionally, fire and emergency medical services have become increasingly complex, with extensive training requirements. Most people lead demanding lives and simply do not have the necessary free time to dedicate to this venture. Our volunteers in Manassas continue to provide a vital component of our emergency services. Volunteers of the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad staff a basic life support unit, and occasionally an advanced life support unit, several nights a week and on weekends. Members of the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company often staff either a fire engine or fire truck during weeknights and on weekends. As much as we value the service they provide, it simply does not cover the call volume this jurisdiction generates. In 2007 we responded to just under 5,000 emergency calls within the city limits and the surrounding jurisdictions.  Frequently employees are held for additional shifts as we struggle to meet this need with current staffing levels. This leads to mounting overtime costs and a strain on the city budget. 

The city manager’s proposed budget asks for 18 new employees and provides a mechanism to satisfy the increased cost. These new employees would ensure the minimum staffing level of one EMS transport unit, the heavy rescue, and either the engine or truck 24- hours-a-day. 

We ask your support in speaking out in favor of this levy. We need a strong voice from our constituents to encourage the city council to move forward and provide the resources to meet our community’s needs. We need your help to continue to provide the level of service the citizens have come to expect and deserve. Together we can take the steps necessary to ensure that your calls for help are answered in a timely and effective manner.

ANDREW CARVER

President, City of Manassas Professional Firefighters & Paramedics