Residents to protest loss of firetruck shift

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Nov 16, 2004 | by STAFF REPORTS

BERKELEY -- Members of the Berkeley Fire Department, residents and neighborhood leaders are expected to protest the part-time loss of one city fire truck at the City Council meeting tonight.

Last week, one of two trucks was taken out of service between 6 p.m.

and 8 a.m. to save the city $300,000 in overtime costs. Truck No. 2 also has a hazardous materials unit on board.

Residents say the truck, which responds to about 1,250 calls a year, including about 300 annual medical calls, is needed to keep response times in check. They say homes, especially in the north end of Berkeley, are at an increased risk with just one truck in service during the evening and early morning hours.

Protest organizers want members of the public to come to the council meeting at 7 tonight for public comment. The council chambers are at 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Those who want a chance to speak must sign up before the start of the meeting.