SOUTH TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The future of the fire department remains uncertain ahead of Tuesday night's City Council meeting. Discussion of the fire department was not on the agenda, but South Tucson firefighters still occupied seats during the meeting.
The firefighters were there to address some comments made during that meeting, and a previous meeting during the call to the public.
RELATED STORY: Heated discussion among South Tucson Council members leaves the future of the South Tucson Fire Department unknown
“I'm just asking you to support us, and not just talk about us with respect… but give us more support,” said a South Tucson Fire Department reservist.
His comments were directed at South Tucson Deputy Mayor Herman Lopez, who said the city needed “real firefighters…” at a previous meeting. “We're real firefighters, sir,” the firefighters in the audience responded. “We have the same certifications.” [certifications] Like Tucson.”
“It was kind of frustrating to hear you compliment us and shame us at the same time, in front of the whole crowd here,” the reservist added in response to a comment from Tuesday night.
The call to the public also brought support from the Tucson Firefighters Association.
“I stand before you today in solidarity with the firefighters of South Tucson and to express our support in rebuilding the South Tucson Fire Department by employing trained and qualified firefighters who serve the community within the reserve ranks of South Tucson,” he said.
This meeting was the first after the Spanish Trail Motel fire that started on February 23. South Tucson had three firefighters respond and the City of Tucson assisted with more than 50 personnel and 20 fire engines.
RELATED STORY: Spanish Trail Hotel in south Tucson catches fire
Public Safety Director Danny Denogen informed the council of those numbers Tuesday night and shared the message he had for the council.
“The amount of people they brought in was overwhelming, and that's something the city of South Tucson can't do,” Dinogian said.
As for how the South Tucson Fire Department will stand on its own, he doesn't see that in the future.
“I think given our situation, it's a lack of financial resources, a lack of staff, a lack of resources, a lack of equipment… that's the direction in which we need to move,” he said.
The direction he indicated was to continue negotiations to bring in the Tucson Fire Department.
They're not the only department that needs help, said Fire Captain Andy Luna, the only full-time firefighter.
“These types of fires, like the Spanish fires in large buildings, we need help, as do many other city, county and state fire departments.”
He said there were still other options.
“I appreciate the council's efforts to consider all of our options. They just need more information to do what's best for the city of South Tucson,” Luna said.
Part of what it comes down to is how many South Tucson firefighters can afford to retain staff and be able to pay the pension. South Tucson is still counting on getting funding from Pima County to pay the city of Tucson to bring in the fire department, but that has been postponed for now.
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Reina Preciado She is a reporter for KGUN 9. She joined the KGUN 9 team in July of 2022 after graduating from Arizona State University. Share your story ideas with Reyna via email reyna.preciado@kgun9.com Or by communicating on Instagram or Twitter.
