Councilmember Al White believes the Flagstaff Fire Department is a victim of its own successes.

“The problem is that they do such a good job with what they have now, it is hard to justify more,” said White.

White notes the department has a 90 percent approval rating with the general public, and he favors the request to add funding to eventually meet the four man crew standard.

He acknowledges the request is a “tremendous expense with relatively small benefit, ” but White said he is willing to commit resources to build the best fire department possible.

During public meetings, White has said he is somewhat biased, noting Flagstaff firefighters responded to the industrial accident that has left him confined to a wheelchair.

Councilmember Karen Cooper said she wants to see hard data before committing resources.

Eventually, the cost of hiring the necessary 15 firefighters will amount to more than $1 million annually.

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