Mayor Tony George has resurrected a Community Fire Watch program in an attempt to increase public safety, but firefighter union officials say it’s a waste of money and is making conditions more dangerous.
George confirmed he is enforcing a fire watch program started during former mayor Tom McGroarty’s administration in which firefighters hit the streets in fire engines during their down time to check on abandoned and vacant structures. ... Last week, George had likened fire watch patrols to police patrols.
“I don’t have the police department staying in the police station, waiting for a call to go on to save fuel. Public safety is what we’re concerned about. … This was started under McGroarty; I didn’t reinvent the wheel,” George said.
“But I guess they were off for so long that they think they don’t have to do anything, just stay in the station and watch TV,” the mayor continued.