@seville: Obviously you didn't read the study. Either give EMS over to the private services or fully over to the FD. The current system is the FD already deploys first responders to the scene before the ambulance shows. Makes sense to me to give it over to the FD. The trouble with private EMS is that the ambulances aren't situated as fire stations are making their response times unpredictable. Also, many of the professionals on AMR, Medstar, rural metro are just there to get their experience so they can move into a fire station. I don't say this is a bad thing, but you often get more seasoned professionals in the FD. I'm also not sure where you're getting that they don't care about public safety. I assure you they do. Sounds like you have an issue with FD or even the PD that you're not voicing. @worromot: I love how people choose the "scare tactics" route when it comes to unions. I'll tell you this...in situations of a brownout (engine or truck taken offline due to lack of staffing/layoffs) that particular coverage area MAY require additional minutes for services to reach them. This is also a danger if it so happens the covering house(s) are out on other emergency calls. That is just one scenario, and it scares the bejeezus out of me. Darn scare tactics! As far as public safety eating up most of the budget...that's kinda where it's always gone and that doesn't just cover the FD. And let's not kid ourselves, it could save the city 18 mil. The taxpayer will never see a dime of it. Not to mention, AMR will renegotiate their contract with the city and soon do the same thing you blame the FD for doing. They will hold you by the balls and squeeze. I'm looking forward to reading the IAFF's rebuttal to this study.

Replace private ambulance companies? Well, now we now where the guy who made the report stands. Surprised he didn't suggest rainsing property taxes 25% so all the firefighters can start making $150K a year. The private companies keep costs down. My first suggestion for solving the fire dept problem...disband the firefighters union. They could care less about public safety, only care about peoples money.

When are the firefighters going to learn, their job is not secure and it shouldn't be. Every city employee is not guaranteed a job, neither should public safety. Public safety eats up 60% of the city budget. If there is a way to save the city and taxpayers $18 millions then so be it. Unions do not return anything to the public they only take away. The taxpayers cannot and should not be held hostage by scare tactics and the threat of reduced service by firefighters. If you do not like the management and people you work for, get a new occupation.