VIDEO: The Riverside Fire Department is busier than ever, and at the same time, has the lowest staffing levels the department has ever seen.
The city plans to apply for a federal grant that would let them hire three more full-time firefighters. But, even if they get the grant, those positions would not start until 2020. News Center 7’s Kate Bartley spoke with the union representing Riverside firefighters, who said the city has a problem now that can’t wait until next year.
“It could potentially be dangerous,” said International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2938 President Josh Gwin. “With one ‘threat to life’ call, that completely depletes our resources.”