Chief August Ghio

CHIEF GHIO TO RETIRE; MAY STAY ON AS INTERIM CHIEF AT SAN MIGUEL

Update May 6:  Staff has now recommended that Chief Ghio be kept on at up to 40-hours a week (maximum of 960 hours through Dec.


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SCORCHED: SAN MIGUEL FIRE BOARD VOTES TO ELIMINATE FIRE PROTECTION AT DEHESA STATION, IMPOSE STEEP CUTS TO FIREFIGHTERS’ BENEFITS

By Miriam Raftery

“This is a shame and an embarrassment.” – La Mesa Councilman David Allen, former San Miguel Firefighter


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JOBS ON THE LINE: SAN MIGUEL FIRE VOTES TO HOLD OFF ON FIREFIGHTER LAYOFFS AMID GROWING BUDGET DEFICIT

 

“The industry standard is one firefighter for every 1,000 in population. San Miguel is currently operating with one firefighter for every 5,400 taxpayers.”  - Alan Laatsch, president,  Firefighters Local 1434
May 27, 2010 (Spring Valley) – Facing a $1.6 million deficit, San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District’s Board tonight considered a proposal to lay off three firefighters, eliminate the Administrative Division Chief position and demote several officials.  But after hearing moving testimony from firefighters, fire and accident victims, and others in the community, the Board voted unanimously to reject the recommendation and consider other options.

 

Among the most moving testimony came from Doug de Brauwere, a father with young children. “I’ll be the first firefighter to be laid off,” he testified, his voice choked with emotion. “I spent 10 years serving my country; a year and a half of that was in Iraq.”


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CAUSE AN ACCIDENT? SAN MIGUEL FIRE WANTS YOU TO PAY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 19, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – San Miguel Fire Protection District voted Thursday to charge drivers who cause accidents for the costs of emergency services. Proposed fees range from $390 to $2,100. The plan has sparked heated debate among community members.

Chief August Ghio says similar measures have been imposed in other communities around the U.S., including North County Fire District locally. Fire districts in Lakeside and Chula Vista are considering similar moves, he added.


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