Annapolis Fire Department Misses Priority List of City Leaders; Critical Needs Remain Unaddressed

Significant concerns have been raised by the Annapolis Professional Fire Fighters Union regarding critical staffing and equipment shortages within the Annapolis Fire Department, crucial issues that are apparently not being prioritized by city leaders, union representatives tell Report Annapolis News ín a statement. 

The union's recent statement specifically highlighted that despite claims from the finance committee chair about a thorough review of the mayor's proposed budget and a focus on reducing unnecessary expenditures, the committee did not prioritize fire department staffing. The statement said adequate staffing is a vital priority for both the union and the Fire Department's administration, a stance that regrettably seems not to be shared by the City, according to the union.

 Joe Pilat, a spokesperson for the union, said he finds it particularly troubling that a member of the public safety committee is also a mayoral candidate, yet this essential issue remains unresolved.

A comprehensive staffing analysis, provided at no cost to the city by the International Association of Firefighters in collaboration with the department's administration, clearly validated the need for more staff and offered precise data to support this. However, this study was disregarded, Pilat said.

Pilat 's statement further noted that the City's Finance Chair recommended cutting funding for unfilled police positions but supported signing bonuses for new hires, noting the cuts were never actually executed. The Fire Chief's proposed enhancements specifically listed paramedic unit staffing as a priority, a need that has been consistently raised for years.

 Union President Joe Pilat told Report Annapolis News that these additional paramedic positions could be funded by EMS billing revenue, emphasizing that they are a necessity, not merely a "want." He added, "All of this occurred while the Council spent nearly every dollar of the city's reserves, holding back only what is legally required, all while ignoring the most basic and essential service this city provides: emergency response."

Although City Leaders had the requisite study, data, and funding mechanisms in place, they fell short in exhibiting the determination to act, Pilat said. 

To read the statement in full:

Annapolis Professional Firefighters Local Union

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