The Sarnia Fire Rescue Service conducts live fire training at 2172 London Line. June 9, 2017 (Photo by Melanie Irwin)The Sarnia Fire Rescue Service conducts live fire training at 2172 London Line. June 9, 2017 (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

Firefighter Overtime Costs Forecast To Double In 2017

Long term leaves are putting a strain on city fire crews.

Two Sarnia firefighters had critical WSIB injuries this year -- one will return on modified duties in 2018 and another who will be gone for the duration of next year on a leave of absence.

It has been recommended that city council include the wages to hire two probationary firefighters in the 2018 budget -- or continue to pay additional overtime -- to cope with the vacancies.

Mayor Mike Bradley says if cuts hadn't been made a few years ago, the city wouldn't be in this position.

"This clearly shows that the decision made by council, one that I personally opposed, to eliminate four firefighter positions... was wrong," says Bradley. "The overtime for the fire department is getting close to $900,000. When we negotiated and had a very good cooperative relationship with the firefighters association years ago to bring in the Fire Master Plan the four that were hired were part of that plan to keep costs down -- and it worked."

In October 2015, Sarnia council eliminated the frontline firefighting positions through attrition, expecting to save $500,000 annually.

$412,000 was budgeted for the Sarnia Fire and Rescue Services overtime this year, but actual expenses are forecast to be $894,000.

Sarnia council will consider the recommendation Monday.

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