MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Sweeping changes are coming to the Memphis Fire Department, but one city council member worries the changes go too far, putting safety on the line.
"I think we have a serious problem, and I just want to make sure we have the resources to respond to problems like this." said Lee Harris as he toured what was left from a recent fire in North Memphis.
Harris worries about the cuts at nearby Station 28 on Chelsea Avenue.
On Sunday, Station 28 will lose its ladder truck, replaced with a so-called "quint" truck. With the switch, half the fire fighters will be transferred to other stations.
"This station is really close and tight and like a family, and it is just sad to see all the guys having to dissipate," said Andy Mills, a firefighter, and driver of "Truck Six."
In a letter to the Mayor sent Thursday, Harris asked for the cuts to be delayed for 30 days.
"I have called for an investigation, I have called for some more study of this," Harris said.
On Thursday, Mayor A C Wharton said the city is moving forward with the reorganization, but will watch the situation closely.
Memphis Fire Director Alvin Benson says the moves won't hurt response times.
"Our department is still good, we are well equipped, well resourced, and the service is going to be there," Benson said.
"I am going to have to trust the Mayor, I am going to have to trust the director of fire services that they have public safety as their number one concern at the end of the day," said Harris.
Back at Station 28, Mills is preparing to drive a new fire truck.
"I hate it, I miss it, it has been a good truck," Mills said.
