Disappointing, thats all you can say to describe the recent - TopicsExpress

Disappointing, thats all you can say to describe the recent article in the journal about Middletown reducing staffing and importing part time. The reality of part-time is its phased out by full-time, just as our neighbors Clearcreek Twp Fire District just did. The article briefly mentioned the scheduling conflicts in the system, never mentioning the huge amount of absenteeism and high turnover rates. (This means day to day your FD would be understaffed because you cannot mandate part timers to work!) Turnover rate in these systems is tremendous, and where there is turnover there is wasted $$$. Turnover rate is high in those systems because part-time firefighters are looking for the full time positions and higher pay. As you would expect Middletown will be investing in another failed project. We here at Monroe feel grateful to have a council that has invested into the continuity and highly skilled professionals on our department. We feel for our brothers and sisters in Middletown and the 11 that were laid off. On a final note, dont believe everything you read or see on the news. Stop by a firehouse and talk to a firefighter and get to know the system you live in and how your dollars are being invested. WE ARE ALWAYS OPEN!