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Thursday, 21 November 2013 at 15:38

Woodstock Fire Union officials will make their case to council tonight to keep the service at 48 firefighters

A big decision looms at Woodstock City Council tonight.

Up for debate is a pair of proposals on the future of the Woodstock Fire Department.

Council can opt to cut 4 positions through lay-off or attrition, and reduce the number of Code 4 emergencies firefighters respond to.

But council can expect a Chamber full of firefighters, who have been lobbying hard this week to keep their staffing level at 48.

Firefighters Association President Chuck Newton will also speak to council before the debate.  "As soon as you take one person out of the mix for going to any calls, you're reducing the level of service.  It may be a critical job that can't be done.  You're talking about a limited rescue or a limited fire attack.  Even one person per shift, that may not seem like a big deal, but it may be a critical task that's going to get missed in there."

Newton says, if anything, the city should be looking at adding firefighters, not taking them away.  "We're concerned with reducing the staff is going to create deficiencies in the emergency response for the citizens of Woodstock.  I think everybody realizes the footprint of the city is growing and continues to grow at a rapid pace."

Heart FM will of course be at the meeting.  Tune in tomorrow morning for full coverage of the decision with reaction.  You can also follow us on Twitter - @1047HeartFM for live updates from the meeting.

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