Humboldt
Bay Fire Chief Bill Gillespie has announced the immediate suspension
of the department’s water-based swimmer portion of its water rescue
program. This program has executed several rescues of live people
from Humboldt Bay since its inception seven years ago.
Humboldt
Bay Fire has become unable to fund this program due to continued
shortfalls in the budget. Swimmer based equipment has been removed
from the apparatus and will be stored. Members of Humboldt Bay
Firefighters Local 652, the department’s labor organization,
expressed regret over the suspended rescue swimmer based water rescue
program. Humboldt Bay Fire will continue to respond to calls for
service in our local waters, but will do so as a shore based
response. Throw ropes and long handled tools are some of the
interventions that can still be employed.
According
to Local 652 President Matt McFarland, “Union members are committed
to finding budget solutions that will allow a swim based program to
be reinstated in the future.”
Humboldt
Bay Firefighters Local 652 would also like to remind residents and
visitors to remain cautious and vigilant when working or playing on
our local waters. Always wear a personal flotation device, and never
mix drugs or alcohol with water based activities. For more
information, citizens are encouraged to contact the Firefighters
through their website at humboldtbayfirefighters.org, or on Facebook
at Humboldt Bay Firefighters Union - Local 652.
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