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STAMFORD, Conn. Two days after more than 50 people fled a burning Stamford home, Mayor Michael Pavia made a renewed call for approval of his plan to reorganize the city's fire service by Jan. 1.
We were very fortunate this past weekend, the Mayor said during a press conference Monday afternoon. No one can guarantee we will be that lucky in the future.
The mayor's plan would have two fire departments covering the city: Stamford Fire and Rescue would be responsible for downtown Stamford, and the Stamford Volunteer Fire Department would cover the rest. The roster of each volunteer house would include two to three paid firefighters at all times.
The plan has been held up in the Public Safety and Health Committee of the Board of Representatives over unanswered questions. The mayor has expressed doubts regarding the committees uncertainty, saying some members might want to see if revisions to the Charter change the way Stamford Fire and Rescue can cover the city. Pavia said there is no guarantee this will happen.
Pavia said that after a September meeting to discuss the plan he received 17 questions from the board. He said he has answered the questions and will submit them in a couple of days. The mayor said he then wants the board to work diligently to hold public hearings and get his fire plan approved.
Public safety should not have an open date, Pavia said, adding that political considerations should be left out of the decision.
The Public Health and Safety Committee is scheduled to meet on Nov. 16, according to the Board of Representatives website.
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