August 16, 2005

The Memphis City Council today pounded Memphis Fire Director Richard Arwood in respects to the Fire Departments overtime issue. Sources reported Councilwoman Tajuan Stout-Mitchell (husband is #2 on the extended Division Chief promotional roster, which Director Arwood refuses to promote until directed so by a judge) led the charge. She was quick to state that the Memphis Fire Department overtime is excessive and had been for years. It was explained to Mrs. Mitchell that the only option he had was to increase staffing and to ensure that it is done rapidly. It was explained to the uninformed Councilwoman that it takes about 9 months to hire and train new firefighters after a hiring list is established. It was stated to the city council that there is currently no hiring list and one will not be available until approved by Human Resources.

Later, Councilwoman Janet Hooks nailed Chief Arwood by saying that the Fire Division did not make equal sacrifices (i.e. layoffs and position cuts) like other divisions. She stated that the MFD excessive overtime figures were balanced on the backs of other divisions who "demonstrated their professional managment" by making hard decisions. Chief Arwood was never allowed to address her remarks.

In his interview with the media, Chief Arwood explained that when a position is vacated, through retirement, termination, etc., that the position has to filled with an overtime employee, in order to maintain the level of service that the citizens expect. He also explained that the only alternative, presently, to overtime is to not allow it, thereby forcing the closing of fire stations.

Chief Arwood told them that if the City Council wished close fire stations, then they should determine which fire stations should be closed. Thus, the only alternatives that we have at our disposal presently are to work employees in overtime or close fire stations.

The latest information that we have seen gives the indication, by ABC 24, that Chief Arwood is suggesting the closing of fire stations. Chief Arwood never said anything close to that, but DID say the the only alternative to NO OVERTIME is to close fire stations and that the City Council should state that as their desire if they do not wish to see overtime dollars spent.

We here at Memphis Fire Online are waiting to see which city council member will volunteer to close a fire station in their own district.