In this episode of “What’s YOUR Problem?” Chief Goldfeder addresses this reader question:
How do I get the Township’s local government to ‘get it’ when we talk funding? Our Township ‘donates’ a set amount each year (a portion of our budget then bolstered by fundraising efforts run by the department). The money from the Township is not a Fire Tax, and while they’ve never reduced the amount or withheld payment, it’s not a contract or guaranteed amount (nor large enough to do everything we need). One item sorely lacking is firefighter physicals. The Township pays the workers’ compensation bill but doesn’t see the problem with sending folks with unknown health issues into one of the most dangerous situations in the world. A physical is going to be a hell of a lot cheaper than a funeral or long-term disability.”
Do you have a question for Chief Goldfeder? Email editor@firerescue1.com or submit a question here.
