Support sought for dispatch positions

A campaign is underway by the Yarmouth Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2094, to get the public involved in saving four fire dispatch positions.

Flyers are being delivered to members of the public and local businesses seeking support and asking people to contact members of Yarmouth Town Council, asking them to rescind layoff notifications that went out by letter to the four dispatchers at the Yarmouth Fire Department.

“Don’t let the town privatize our dispatch.” “We need local people who know our region.”

“Four good local jobs lost to a call centre?” reads messages on the flyers.

The town has indicated it will explore the cost of having an outside service provide dispatch services, which is something it says occurs in other municipalities in the province. The town has stated the level of service will be maintained – an important factor to it.

Currently, the service provided from the Yarmouth Fire Department serves two dozen fire departments in Yarmouth, Shelburne and Digby counties. The town has said it covers an unproportionate cost of the service.

Those not wanting to see the service outsourced are hopeful a different funding arrangement can be worked out with the de- partments, other municipal units and the town to better share the cost of the service and to maintain it.