Danville Firefighters say they are disappointed the City has chosen to end all community engagement activities. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer announced at Tuesday’s city council meeting that all community engagement activities by firefighters had been halted because of a grievance won by Firefighters Local 429.
In a statement, the Local said Thursday that ultimately the union felt it was obligated to honor the mutually agreed upon terms of its contract.
‘’It’s in everyone’s best interest to leave the job of law enforcement in the hands of the trained professionals of the DPD (Danville Police Department)’’ said the statement from Local 429 Thursday. ‘’Our primary goal continues to be providing our citizens with prompt professional service when called upon in times of need,’’ added the statement.
The firefighters said earlier that they had been asked to spend three hours during evenings patrolling in city parks and talking to strangers. Some firefighters told VermilionCountyFirst.com News they feel those patrols are best handled by the police. But they added they would like to continue such activities as helping at the Friendly Town Traffic Safety Education Center for kids, and Community Day activities.
