Resistance from some veteran firefighters is slowing efforts to overhaul Baraboo Fire Department operations, leaders say.
On Monday, the Common Council’s public safety committee voted 3-0 to extend its contract with RW Management Group, a consultant helping the Fire Department implement operational changes. The contract will be extended on a month-by-month basis. So far, the city has paid the consultant $24,000 for six months’ work.
Leaders overseeing implementation of RW Management’s proposed changes said most young firefighters are on board, but veterans have resisted. “There has been a lot of sandbagging,” said City Administrator Ed Geick. “There has been some head-pounding on a solid wall at times.”
After analyzing department operations, the Waukesha firm determined Baraboo Fire needs to add daytime staff and establish an “on call” schedule to ensure enough firefighters are available to respond on weeknights and weekends. Such changes have rankled some members.