It’s no surprise that ending a formal relationship with the Okanagan Landing Firefighters Association wasn’t unanimous among Vernon council.
It is now known that the decision to bring all firefighting operations in the city under one administrative structure resulted in a 4-3 vote.
However, what’s still undetermined is how this strategy will actually unfold, and it’s success or failure will depend on the 30 volunteers at the Okanagan Landing fire hall.
There is the assumption that the Landing crew will automatically sign on as new members of the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association — which operates out of the downtown hall — and embrace the new model.
But that may be a stretch for some who have been connected with the Landing hall for years and feel a sense of loyalty. For some, there may also be bitterness over how the process unfolded, particularly council making the decision behind closed doors and not giving them an opportunity to defend the status quo. The city claims amalgamation will lead to “standardized training and improved safety,” but some Landing firefighters will insist they were already doing that.
There will be others, though, that will see the new model as an opportunity to develop a unified fire department and learn new training and operational techniques. For some, it may open the door to long-term careers.
In all of the city statements, one key factor has been missing. What happens if a large number of Landing volunteers decide to retire instead of accepting city hall’s new relationship?
How will the city provide critical emergency services if there is reduced manpower?
Let’s hope there’s a plan B.
– Vernon Morning Star
