The Traverse City Fire Department is getting extra help.
The City Commission approved three more firefighter and paramedic positions to next year’s budget in a meeting held Monday. Traverse City Fire Chief Jim Tuller says the extra positions are, “badly needed.”
“It basically comes down to safety. When Rescue 1 goes out with two [responders] and engine 2 on the other side of town goes out with two [responders], that leaves this engine with one person, our captain. And it’s not safe for him to drive lights and sirens by himself in the city,” Chief Tuller explains.
The decision comes local firefighters and paramedics spent more than a month advocating for the new additions. Mayor Richard Lewis noticed their protests and praises their patience.