Red Deer firefighters want residents to add a sign to their front yard to send a message to City Hall about the need for fully staffed fire trucks.
Brad Readman, spokesperson for Red Deer International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1109, said about 450 signs have already been posted in yards around Red Deer. They said as of Monday, they had temporarily run out of signs.
"We appreciate the public support," said Readman, adding it's been a stressful time for firefighters.
"It's a fight for the public, their safety, as well as ours."
'I SUPPORT SAFE STAFFING' signs are available by messaging Red Deer IAFF L1109 on X.
Local IAFF members have been raising concerns about a new staffing model Red Deer Emergency Services introduced in January that allows fire trucks to have only two firefighters, or be shut down entirely.
The IAFF, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association all endorse a minimum standard of four firefighters per truck.
According to the IAFF, the fire truck at Station 2 has operated with unsafe staffing levels, or shut down, 51 times.
In March, Local 1190 members overwhelming supported a motion of non-confidence related to the city's delivery of emergency services and support for emergency personnel. In April, a petition was started to try and convince the city to respond to what firefighters called a public safety crisis from understaffing.
Red Deer Emergency Services previously said the change in staffing was part of a council directive to manage excessive overtime in the department over the past several years, and that the city remains fully covered when it comes to firefighting.
Earlier this month, the city announced plans to hire up to 12 temporary paramedics to help manage long-term absences.
Readman said IAFF members want to work with the city. Hiring paramedics is a positive step, but it will depend on whether workers are willing to come to Red Deer for temporary jobs.
"It's a good start, but also it's really just a stop-gap."
On top of everything else, staffing is going to be further challenged this summer with vacation requests, days off for sickness and leaves of absence, he added.
