Recent Fires/Crashes Validate Staff Concerns: Southington FD Union

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The local firefighters union said Thursday a recent stretch of fires/crashes shows why staffing levels at the Southington Fire Department are a problem.

And, while members of Southington Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2033 still work without a contract, they said the recent spate of activity is proof their concerns are valid.

On Feb. 10, a stolen vehicle crashed, slammed into a pole, then a local restaurant, and caught fire. On Wednesday, Feb. 14, a large apartment complex in town caught fire. And, on Thursday morning, Feb. 15, a serious, multi-vehicle crash shut down I-84 in town for hours.

"What do all of these incidents have in common? Local 2033 members operating at minimum unsafe staffing levels," wrote the union. "For both fires, the first arriving fire apparatus was only staffed with two members."

The SFD's firefighter contract saga has been a problem in town for months, but it has become more public in recent weeks, with town and fire officials squaring off on social media.

Then, on Jan. 21, firefighters packed a regular Southington Town Council meeting to express concerns about a problem that is now before arbitrators.

Firefighters want a contract after working without one for more than two-and-a-half years and they want one with what they say are safe staffing levels at the hybrid department, which utilizes a mix of paid and volunteer staff.

The union is requesting a mandatory on-duty, minimum staffing level of one officer and two firefighters on all apparatus at all times.

But if a firefighter is sick or on leave/vacation, the town allows for that ratio to be one officer and one firefighter, which union officials have said was a "cost-saving measure" on the part of the town.

The union Thursday said the latter situation is what appears to have been the case with some of the recent incidents in town.

Southington Town Council Chairman Paul Chaplinsky Jr. has said the GOP-led council does support the SFD.

But, he has admitted, town officials and the firefighters union are so far apart on any contract proposal, that an arbitrator is necessary.

According to the union, town and union officials had a closed-door arbitration hearing last Friday, Feb. 9, before state labor department officials.

"This hearing was the next step in settling our contract to ensure we can provide adequate service to you safely," wrote the union.

Local 2033 said a ruling on the matter is expected by June of this year.

"For now, we will continue to regularly respond with only two members on the fire apparatus at fire headquarters, doing our best to keep you and your families safe," wrote the union.

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From Feb. 15: 'After Several Hours, I-84 Crash Cleared In Southington: UPDATE'

From Feb. 15: 'Valentine's Day Blaze Probed In Southington: FD'

From Feb. 10: 'Fiery Crash In Southington Closes Plantsville, Impacts Restaurant: PD'

From Jan. 23: 'Southington FD Demands Better Staffing To Local Officials'