Fire Chief Responds to Proposed Budget Cuts

With a proposed $150,000 cut to the fire department's budget, the fire chief is concerned that further cuts would mean less manpower and a more difficult time assisting with accidents and fires in town.

Fire Chief James Vuona was faced with the same budget cut proposal last year, but at the last minute the town was able to level fund his budget.

"Right now we have an eight-man crew working at the fire stations in town," he said. "That's a skeleton crew compared to other towns our size."

He said that reducing his budget by the proposed $150,000 would mean one less firefighter on duty on a shift, which would mean adding to the duties of each firefighter, and could cause injury to his staff or cause longer response time to fires and accidents in town.

The fire chief outlines what the proposed cuts would mean in detail on the fire department's website.

"Nothing has changed from last year, and actually the town continues to grow, so there is more of a need for emergency personnel, including firefighters," he said. "We have new buildings and a new fire truck, but firefighters fight fires, not equipment and buildings."

With the growing need in town, the fire department does not just handle fires in town. They provide education in schools and around town, the ambulance and fire department helps at motor vehicle accidents and also helps with medical calls throughout the town.

"The bridge construction on Route 9 that will start this upcoming year will also make it more difficult for the ambulance and fire trucks to get to UMASS and Worcester to help out," he said. "But I know that the growing population will mean more fire calls and accidents in town."

Shrewsbury resident Brian Guagnini is frustrated by the proposed budget cuts to the fire department.

"The rich keep getting richer, while the rest of the citizens in this once-blue collar 'town' struggle to pay the bills," said Guagnini in his comments on Facebook. "Suggestion: STOP raising the pay of town hacks & pay the VITAL employees (teachers, firemen, etc) what they deserve."

Guagnini, who has lived in town for more than 10 years, came to town because he wanted to raise his family in a great community.

"There are always cuts that can be made. The town is not unlike any other company, family or corporate entity facing the same financial challenges: everyone, at some time, needs to make cuts somewhere," he added. "They can start with the town employee salaries (and bonuses) and work their way through all town departments. Are they saving money when they need to? Are they spending frivolously on travel, dinners, parties, etc.? Cutting back can be painful, but it's the only way to save."

While the town awaits the final numbers from the state, the fire department is bracing for the impact.

"I know other town departments need the money," Vuona said. "I can only fight for my own department, and public safety should be a top priority."

Firefighter Aaron Roy came to a recent Board of Selectmen meeting to plead for his job and others who may be cut if the town moves ahead with the proposed budget cuts.