In a recent editorial, Rural Metro Battalion Chief Cichocki touted the acquisition of Rural Metro Fire by Alabama-based Brindlee as “beneficial”. The question is how. He was vague and gave no specifics.
I can give you one specific. The Rural Metro certificate of necessity (CON 109), governing their ambulance service in this area, is staying with Global Medical Resources (GMR). In a GMR statement regarding the sale of Rural Metro Fire to Brindlee, they clearly stated, “As part of the transition, Rural Metro Fire will be focused on fire services, limiting its medical transportation operations to Yuma, Arizona and Columbus, Ohio.” As a for profit company, no longer having a financial connection to RM Fire, do you think they will keep an ambulance in the Carefree Fire Station? If so, will it frequently be outside of Carefree on other calls? If not, where will this ambulance come from?
Then there is the question of the dispatch system, which had a very shaky start. With RM no longer operating under GMR, will we get another new dispatch system? Looking at the town’s monthly dispatch reports under deficiencies, the dispatch track record is concerning.
Where is the new station for Engine 825, to better service the county islands and the west side of Carefree that Cichocki referenced previously?
Carefree invested in a new fire engine and brush truck, but will RM/Brindlee invest in assets to better serve our area, like a ladder truck?
These are just a few of the pressing questions RM/Brindlee must address.
If this action is truly “beneficial,” then it is time for RM/Brindlee to provide tangible actions not just words. I hope we hear from the likes of Chief Soule…soon.
Lisa Rinde
Carefree resident
