Following the press release from the mayor, in regards to funding the LSPD, we investigated the Los Santos Fire Department. A vital service in the city, we wanted to understand the current conditions within the Fire Department and the support they required.
“The Structure Of FD Is Shattered”
We spoke to one firefighter, who we won’t be naming at this time due to internal pressures, who explained the issues with the Los Santos Fire Department.
“All I can say is, the FD isn’t in a good spot right now whatsoever.”
We also mentioned that things in Los Santos Fire Department seem to be a mess. He said “To be honest, they are. But I assure you, we’re doing our best.”
Following this, we mentioned that the captain seems to be steering the wrong way, while the team are rowing the boat. The firefighter responded “That’s been the thing around here for the last months. The chief and his batt are in some disagreement I presume.”
Lack Of Vital Action
Through our visit to the Fire Department, we also found that one of the RAs had been out of service for 14 days. With the funding available for repair, it seems the existing leadership failed to meet the needs of Los Santos.
Following this, we were also told about how the overall equipment is lacking in every sector. The training is insufficient and the division responsible for training contains no staff currently. This is also the case for FD relations, Coroner Division and also the Arson Division.
The Fire Chief has had ample opportunity to rectify these issues, but hasn’t worked towards doing so. His lack of effort has been noticed across the department, with several firefighters questioning his dedication and ability.
Failing Fire Chief In The Department
The key issues are relating to efforts and actions within the department. The issues mentioned include;
- Unsuitable equipment
- Lack of staff
- Insufficient Training
- Nobody assigned to the Recruitment & Training Division
- Nobody assigned to FD Relations
- Nobody assigned to the Coroner Division
- Nobody assigned to the Arson Division
- Lower ranked staff having to carry out higher roles to keep things afloat
“We as the first responders team are trying our best here, from picking up night and day shits to doing some work that is above our paygrade, and that’s just to keep the boat floating.”
Time To Take Action
The Los Santos Fire Department is a vital service. Responsible for emergency care, fire and many other categories of incident in Los Santos, the fire department should be one of the highest priority services.
Yet, it isn’t. The funding is low. The equipment is insufficient. The training is lacking.
The team assigned to the fire department are underpaid. They are struggling. The team relies on the motivation of “our beloved city” to keep things ticking. But now is the time for change.
We have written an urgent email to the mayors office.