Anchorage Fire Chief Speaks on Tender 9 Controversy

Fire department memo contradicted city’s stated reason for apparatus closure

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: Feb 13, 2013 at 7:27 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 13, 2013 at 7:36 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - In what some are calling an issue that epitomizes the battle between the city and unions, the controversy surrounding the water truck at the Huffman Fire Station, Tender 9, continues.

This time, the Anchorage Fire Chief is speaking out.

On Friday, Deputy Fire Chief John Drozdowski told CBS 11 News that the water truck was out of commission for several days this year because of a scheduling error.

But over the weekend CBS 11 News received an internal memo that essentially contradicts that statement.

On Tuesday, Fire Chief Chris Bushue said he wanted to clear up any confusion, saying the information in the memo was accurate.

"There was not a scheduling error, it was an explicit direction and it was followed to the letter,” said Bushue.

Bushue said because of budget cuts, he ordered the tender to be put out of service when overtime was needed to operate it.

However, Chief Bushue said the mayor has now ordered Tender 9 to remain open -- for now.

Bushue said it's now more likely that the fire department will be over budget.

“Keeping in mind that if we don't have any injuries, if our workforce remains healthy, if we don't lose the number of people we traditionally lose every year, I could say I could keep Tender 9 open and not go over budget -- but that is that's a very big gamble,” said Bushue.

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Anonymous said on Saturday, Feb 16 at 2:45 PM

akmama - you sound like Lucinda Baloney but lies and deception are your stock and trade -

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Raven33 said on Thursday, Feb 14 at 11:41 AM

I'm behind you on that AKMama!

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akmama said on Wednesday, Feb 13 at 12:30 PM

This town has way too many fire personnel. There is no way we should be paying overtime. We need to take back our town from the unions and stop all of the extra money they demand.

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