Merging issues: Tulare County Grand Jury warns Lindsay of history, manner of public-safety consolidation of police and fire departments

BY ERIC WOOMER • ewoomer@visalia.gannett.com • July 12, 2010

Adam Romero wanted to be a firefighter nearly his whole life. In 2008, the city of Lindsay gave him that chance.

Now, as part of the city's attempt to merge its police and fire departments, it's asking Romero to fight crime as well.

But the Tulare County Grand Jury, which released its year-end report last week, is skeptical that the city can make it work.

The Grand Jury noted that when the city's police and fire departments merged in 1976, the arrangement lasted less than 10 years.

Lindsay had 22 full-time police officers and three full-time firefighters when the latest merger attempt began in February.

A complaint to the Grand Jury about firefighters' living quarters and salaries prompted the investigation.
Findings

The Grand Jury report stated that:

# It will take at least $10,000 to train officers and firefighters over a six-month period. Covering their shifts while they're trained will cost still more.

# While more than 60 percent of fire calls are related to medical situations, the training offered police does not include medical training.

# The Lindsay City Council violated open-meeting laws when it met in San Jose to discuss the merger. The council later met in Lindsay to rectify the violation.

The Grand Jury also noted what it called a lack of outreach to Lindsay residents regarding the merger.
Reactions

Some Lindsay residents last week shrugged off the report. They said the Grand Jury is just looking for something to do.

"I don't take the Grand Jury very seriously. I don't have much faith in them," said former Lindsay Councilman John Hill. "It's just a bunch of old folks who want to stay busy, bugging other people."

Hill, who was around for the first merger, says he thinks this effort can save the city money.

Police officers and firefighters say they're willing to give it a try.

Romero and police officer Andrew Robinson are looking forward to the merger.

"Not everyone thinks this is a great idea, but people have to be willing to roll with the changes," Romero said. "This is going to be a great opportunity."

Robinson said he's willing to do anything that increases his knowledge.

Half of the police officers have been trained as firefighters.

Firefighters will begin at the police academy at College of the Sequoias in August.

A response to the Grand Jury report is required. Rich Wilkinson, the city's public safety director, and the Lindsay City Manager's Office did not respond to calls Friday for comment.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20100712/NEWS01/7120322/Merging-issues-Tulare-County-Grand-Jury-warns-Lindsay-of-history-manner-of-public-safety-consolidation-of-police-and-fire-departments