State-imposed guidelines on staffing levels and scheduling are causing fire company shutdowns and creating a potential threat to public safety, according to department officials.
Chief Scott Evans filed a certified affidavit in Atlantic County Superior Court that details his concerns that the state-mandated changes to the firefighter schedule, as well as department-wide reductions in staff, salaries, benefits and compensation time, are “unsafe and unreasonable” and “will not permit ACFD to efficiently provide fire protection services to the City of Atlantic City.”
State Department of Community Affairs spokeswoman Lisa Ryan said Evans’ concerns are being taken seriously and added, “There are differing opinions about what the conditions on the ground are, how they can best be resolved and what steps the Fire Department’s leadership can take to effectively manage staff and resources.”