Traverse City Officials Opt to Terminate Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services Agreement
Traverse City officials have recently decided to withdraw from a longstanding agreement to provide aircraft rescue and firefighting services at the Cherry Capital Airport. The decision was made following concerns raised by the Traverse City Professional Firefighters Local 646, the union representing the city's firefighters. Although there were various issues at play, staffing emerged as a primary concern for both the union members and city administrators.
Union Complaints and Call for Contract Termination
Union President Jacob Steichen strongly urged city commissioners to terminate the agreement, echoing the concerns expressed by the firefighters' union. While there were several complaints raised by the union members, staffing remained the central issue influencing the city's decision to end the contract. Chief Jim Tuller acknowledged the union's stance but emphasized that, apart from staffing, the other complaints did not factor into the city's choice.
Station 2 Staffing Challenges and Contract Impact
The request to terminate the airport contract came in response to ongoing difficulties in staffing the department's Station 2 on Eighth Street. Due to staffing shortages, the department occasionally had to close the station for a day or two when shifts couldn't be filled. Firefighter paramedic Steichen requested the contract termination in May, suggesting that doing so would allow the department to maintain staffing levels and keep Station 2 operational throughout the summer.
Concerns About Outsourcing and Certification
Firefighters expressed reluctance to work with an unknown outside contractor. Fourteen union members even signed a letter stating that they would forfeit their aircraft rescue firefighting certification if the airport were to bring in an external company. Apart from the staffing shortages and mandatory overtime, the firefighters were worried about working with contractors who might not meet the same training standards and lacked familiarity with Cherry Capital Airport.
Transition to Pro-Tec Fire Services
Currently, city firefighters are collaborating with Pro-Tec Fire Services personnel as part of a 90-day transitional period specified in the contract between the city and the airport. The transition period will conclude on August 16. Pro-Tec Fire Services President Bill Hershman assured that his employees are fully certified and possess extensive experience, including work at Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport. He emphasized that there should be no concerns regarding their training or certification levels.
Smooth Transition and Continued Emergency Response
While the transition to working alongside Pro-Tec Fire Services personnel faced some challenges, both Fire Chief Tuller and President Hershman agreed that it has been progressing well. They cited an incident where both city and contracted firefighters responded promptly and effectively when a small aircraft experienced engine trouble, resulting in a safe landing. Despite the change in the contractual agreement, Traverse City firefighters will still respond to emergencies at the airport, including medical calls, structural fires, and aircraft-related incidents.
Staffing as the Defining Factor
Airport Director Kevin Klein and Interim City Manager Tom Geinzer maintained that the decision to terminate the agreement was primarily driven by staffing concerns. They emphasized that political factors or union threats did not influence their recommendations and decisions. While some anticipated the end of the agreement due to the relatively lower volume of airports served by municipal fire departments, others, including Chief Tuller, believed it was not an inevitable outcome. Regardless, Traverse City firefighters will continue to fulfill their emergency response responsibilities at the airport, ensuring the safety of the community.