Local 621 Members Continue to Fight for Safety of Residents, Separate EMS Branch
February 21, 2008
(Marion County, Florida) – Members of Local 621, EMS professionals with Marion County EMSA, held an informational picket outside Tuesday morning’s Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting.
The Board of County Commissioners recently voted four to one in favor of moving emergency services from the Marion County Emergency Medical Services Alliance into the Marion County Fire Department. Since learning of this decision, the members of Local 621 have worked tirelessly to inform the public about the possible negative effects this move could have on Marion County residents.
“We’re concerned that the overall quality of service will drop if EMS doesn’t remain a separate entity,” said IAEP National Representative Steve Weigand. “Our members don’t see the need to risk a drop in public safety just because there’s a possibility of saving a few dollars.”
Over 25 members of Local 621 attended the picket, handing out information regarding this decision and urging members of the public to contact their County Commissioner. Concerned Marion County residents are also encouraged to view our Save EMS in Marion County section for more information on this move, and to send an email to all the County Commissioners.
The County Commissioners based their decision on a study conducted by a specialized task force. When announcing the results of their study, the Board of County Commissioners EMSA Task force stated that EMSA should remain a separate agency to maintain the best level of services. The Task Force also stated that the commissioners wanted to try to save money they should combine EMSA with the fire department.
“We’re going to keep educating the public and continue to put pressure on the County Commissioners,” said Weigand. “The residents of Marion County need to send a clear message that this move was not the right decision.”