JEFFERSONVILLE, IN (WAVE) - They protect us and literally go into the fire to save lives when they're called. But, the Jeffersonville Fire Department might be in the hot seat when it comes to overtime.
Last year, Jeffersonville firefighters, who work out of several stations, racked up thousands of dollars in overtime. Eric Hedrick, Chief of the Jeffersonville Fire Department, tells WAVE 3 they simply can not afford that this year and he wants to make some changes.
The firefighters at Jeffersonville's Fire Station 2 were hard at work, training Friday morning. As they worked together, Chief Hedrick remained working to cut down on overtime. Hedrick said firefighters racked up $836,000 in overtime last year.
"We have to maintain the 19 a day," Hedrick said as he talked about firefighters. "So, anytime that we go below 19, we needed to call in someone to fill those spots."
But now, Hedrick said the department may be nearing the end of its rope.
"We're on a train track and we're going to run out of track sooner than later," said Hedrick. "It is a problem. Last year, we were able to fund the overtime through some different avenues. The council was able to move some money around. I do not think that's going to be an option for us this year."
Hedrick said Jeffersonville is growing, but his department isn't growing fast enough along with it. He said hiring more people to answer the call will save money.
"I need 4 additional firefighters," Hedrick said. "That will put each crew at 24 members. That would allow us to still maintain the 19 minimum staffing and with minimal overtime."
Had that been in place last January, Chief Hedrick said the city could have saved close to $400,000.
"It sounds like a plan," said Samantha Coppinger, of Jeffersonville. "It's better than having to pay that much money a year in overtime. And it gives more people jobs, too."
Hedrick said he remains positive about the possible outcome.
"I'm going in with a good attitude. A good optimistic attitude as far as getting it solved," he said.
Hedrick said he will be informally meeting with city council members to explain the issue and talk possible solutions. Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore tells WAVE 3 he has met with council members and the chief. Moore said he wants to tackle the O-T situation head on and he is open to suggestions. He said both sides need to reach a compromise and he's confident the issue will get straightened out.
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