Should beach firefighters leave the island?

Members of the Navarre Beach Volunteer Fire Department board of directors had a difference of opinion regarding certain standard operating procedures for the department.

Fire Chief Mike Howard presented a list of standard operating procedures but the many of the rules had exceptions. One rule is that one firefighter has to be on the island at all times to respond to calls on Navarre Beach. The department has two shifts that are staffed with three firefighters. However, Howard said there were certain situations in which all three firefighters are allowed to respond to a single call.

Board member Ken Rudzki said the department hired a third firefighter for the sole purpose of having someone to cover the island at all times.

For more on this story, see the Jan. 19 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.