2022-10-18 CC Agenda - Public Communication related to Item C10 - Fire Engine 322022-10-18 CC AGENDA PACKET
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION RELATED TO ITEM C10 - FIRE ENGINE 32
Monday, October 17, 2022
Honorable Mayor and City Council.
My name is Jim Boulgarides. My family and I own a home on Bungalow Drive.
Unfortunately I am out of state and unable to attend the public hearing on the proposed brownout
of Fire Engine 32. I think this would be a grave mistake.
First, I would like to state I am speaking on behalf of no one but myself and my family. I bring
to the table a 30 year career in public safety. I recently retired as a Paramedic Fire Captain from
the Ontario Fire Department.
Your proposal to eliminate one of only two fire engines in the city for a six month "trial" is a
reckless gamble with public safety.
Frankly, even the current level of fourteen Firefighters per shift is very low for a city with the
population of El Segundo and the variety of hazards including a refinery, industry, high rise
occupancies and many hotels. To cut this level by up to 20% is crazy.
You state there will still be a Truck Company to respond to emergencies on the east side of town.
I'm not sure that you realize that Fire Trucks, while essential to the Fire Service, do NOT put out
fires. They carry tools, not water. Fire Engines put out fires.
Let me give you one hypothetical. Engine One responds to a kitchen fire at El Terasco on Main
Street. At the same time a call comes in for a car fire with trapped victims at Grand and
Douglas. A responding Truck Company will be little comfort to the burning victims.
It is stated that you are trying to save money for capitol improvements. You would NEVER
consider an arbitrary cut to the Police Department of 20% for this purpose. Nor should
you.
You made a great selection with Fire Chief Lee. It is a shame you plan on knee -capping her
department at the start of her tenure. Perhaps nothing terrible will happen during the six month
trial. But the Fire Department is an insurance policy. Mutual aid won't be coming after a
regional emergency. At eleven personnel, it appears you don't particularly want to be in the
business of providing fire protection.
One Fire Engine in a city like El Segundo is woefully inadequate. I hope you reconsider.
Respectfully,
Jim Boulgarides