January 16, 2004

Galveston Island Pachyderm Club

Acting Galveston Fire Chief Michael Verela and Fire Fighters of America Local 571 Vice President David Baker spoke to the Galveston Island Pachyderm Club on Thursday 

"We are putting four people at each station now, at least," Verela said, in a review of fire department improvements.  

"We have purchased new equipment for the trucks and updated some of the old equipment that was on there that needed to be changed out," Verela added.  

Baker said the union has been supportive of the changes initiated by Verela, but continues to call for more fighters and equipment. 

"We feel like more people need to be hired," Baker said, noting that overtime is currently being used to pay for the additional staffing to achieve the goal of four firefighters on a truck.  

Next week, Acting Police Chief Kenny Mack and Galveston Municipal Police Association President John Bertolino will speak to the Pachyderm Club.

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