On Wednesday, Grand Lake firefighters and EMTs showed a courage not always associated with the profession.
They didn’t run to any burning buildings, unroll the fire hoses or douse any flames. Instead, a small group of them used their words as they fought for their salaries and their department amid a financial shortfall.
“The Grand Lake Fire Department has forecast a financial net operating deficit resulting from COVID operations, expenses and anticipated income shortfalls,” Board president David Craig told the audience after coming out of an executive session on Wednesday.
“The board and chief are working together to mitigate this through measurable and tangible initiatives,” he continued, adding that no payroll or labor reductions are anticipated at this time, but the department has immediately frozen hiring and spending and every effort will be made to eliminate overtime.