MILLINGTON, Tenn. — The Millington Fire Department said they were having trouble keeping its firefighters.
Eleven left the force in just the past six months.
That’s a lot for a town Millington’s size.
The chief said he was losing men to bigger cities nearby.
Millington city leaders said money was too tight and they simply couldn’t compete.
“We’ve lost four to Memphis, three to Atoka, one to an ambulance company and I had a couple that got out fire service completely,” said Fire Chief Gary Graves.
Folks we talked to were worried about their safety.
“It’s scary. I would hate to lose good firefighters,” aid Shawna Bell who lived in Millington.
Bell, who moved to the area three years ago, said having fewer firefighters made her wonder if the ones left would be able to respond quickly.
“I understand the budget is tight here as well as other places so hopefully we’ll be able to give them what they need or what they’re asking for so we’ll be able to keep good workers,” she said.
Graves told WREG losing firefighters wasn’t going to impact the response time, but it was going to have some type of impact in the department.
“Even though we’re short 11 people, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to fill all those slots too, because of some internal stuff that we’re doing internally to reorganize the department,” he said.
Graves said it wasn’t clear at this time how many firefighters he’ll bring on board.
It’s something he and city leaders were still talking about.
People who lived there hoped it’s enough to keep them safe.
“I hope that someone is listening in a responsible position that could do something to make sure we take care of our firemen because they take care of us,” said Robert Burdette.
Graves said although they lost a number of firefighters, the city doesn’t plan to close any fire stations.
In February, WREG first told you the department was worried about possibly closing at least one firehouse because it was expecting to lose firefighters.
Graves said firefighters were working overtime as well.