Decisions made by Madison’s common council Tuesday night will have implications for the city’s public safety departments next year.
While the police department is appreciative common council voted to add funding for three new officers Tuesday night, Madison fire department officials are disappointed next year’s city budget won’t include funding for a ninth ambulance they say is badly needed.
The far southeast neighborhood is home to the new Station 14, but no ambulance. The station’s Engine 14 provides a paramedic who can respond to medical calls, but can't transport patients to the hospital.
"Once the engine is on scene, then we need an ambulance to complete the process, but if those things aren't falling into place perfectly, your life is in risk in situations like cardiac arrest,” said Cynthia Schuster, public information officer for the fire department.