Claremore residents express concern over the number of city firefighters on duty

Claremore's Fire Department has been down six firefighters since November. And some residents say they don't feel safe if a fire breaks out. <br><br>Before the layoffs, each of Claremore's

Tuesday, March 9th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Claremore's Fire Department has been down six firefighters since November. And some residents say they don't feel safe if a fire breaks out.

Before the layoffs, each of Claremore's three fire stations had three firefighters on each shift including one shift commander. After the layoffs, they continued to cover it with three firefighters by paying overtime.

But on Monday, firefighter Ty Burnett says the city lowered the minimum manning down to only "two" firefighters at two of the stations. That's below the national standard, which is four firefighters on duty.

Resident Deana Moore: "If there was an emergency a real emergency that's bound to happen to Claremore sooner or later, how can they respond?"

Claremore Mayor Jim Cochran: "Our police department is undermanned at the current time, but they are adequately covering the city. They've stepped up as individuals and a department and they've sacrificed to make sure we have adequate protection."

Claremore's mayor says he doesnâ€™t like the lower staffing either, but the fund which pays fire and police salaries are seriously depleted.