Lakeland is expected to start its own fire department in less than nine months. There is controversy in the community surrounding the transfer from Shelby County to Lakeland with suggestions residents of the City could be at peril with its own fire department.
Dennis Wolf, fire management consultant with The University of Tennessee institute for Public Service, Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) and former Germantown fire chief, is expected to be hired in January as the first fire chief in Lakeland. The change from Shelby County Fire Department (SCFD) is planned for July 19.
Today (10.29.18) Lakeland Currents asked the Lakeland Mayor, Chief Wolf, SCFD Chief Alvin Benson and Mayoral Candidate Michael Cunningham to respond to questions which have surfaced on social media in recent weeks and during election season in Lakeland. The City is electing a mayor, two commissioners and three school board members in the Nov. 6 state and federal general and municipal election.
The questions and answers posted on social media appeared to cast doubt on Lakeland’s ability to staff a new fire station and work with SCFD.
From Mayor Wyatt Bunker, “Anyone questioning the operational effectiveness of a Lakeland Fire Department only needs to look at Arlington Fire. Arlington has operated effectively for decades with one station and they partner with Shelby County for the same services as Lakeland.”
He added, “Startup costs, allocated from City reserves, will be reimbursed in under 24 months. We will provide better service at a lower cost.
“An apples to apples comparison of Arlington’s budget confirms Chief Wolf’s estimates as well as the claimed savings by City officials.”
Chief Wolf said, “The Lakeland Fire Department will provide quality fire and related emergency and essential services to the residents, business owners and visitors to Lakeland in a manner that is similar to the operational plan used in Arlington. Arlington has successfully operated a single station fire department for decades.
“Lakeland has planned for both automatic aid and mutual aid response with area fire departments to provide additional resources when they are needed.
Mr. Cunningham and Chief Benson did not respond to Lakeland Currents today.
