VIDEO: Firefighters in Emmet County are taking exception to cuts in funding for life-saving equipment.
Emmet County Commissioners approved a budget that slashes funding for local fire departments in half, and could take it all away next year.
“We felt we should voice our concern about this and bring it to the commissioners’ attention,” Resort Bear Creek Fire and Rescue Chief Al Welsheimer, said.
Chief Al Welsheimer is the president of the Emmet County Fire Chief’s Association.
“You’re taking essential services away from us and these are lifesaving tools,” Welsheimer, said about the cuts.
Five of the seven fire departments in Emmet County have the lifesaving equipment, like the Jaws of Life, on hand.
The money for the equipment, repairs and training have been provided by the county.
This year that money was cut from around $37,000 to $15,000 to be shared by each department and it will likely be $0 in 2020.