Tensions are running high in East Greenwich after Town Manager Gayle Corrigan shared her plan to restructure the East Greenwich Fire Department on Monday.
Corrigan announced her proposal at Monday night's Town Council meeting. Her plan would eliminate six positions from the fire department, meaning those holding the positions will be laid off.
The proposed restructuring would eliminate one of the four platoons, with each platoon having eight people and two floaters to fill in when needed. The plan also proposes that each firefighter would work a 56 hour work week with 24 hour shifts.
"It's all about firefighter safety, and it's all about making sure the fire fighters are safely serving the residents of East Greenwich," Corrigan said.
During public comment, people said the workload per firefighter is concerning. Interim Fire Chief Kevin Robinson said over time is already a concern, but he's hoping to find more solutions to keep firefighters from working too much or getting injured on the job.