City Manager Marc Maxwell said he is not surprised by the response of The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF) to the consolidating of management of the Sulphur Springs Police Department and the city Fire Department. Maxwell noted that the TSAFF is made up of current and retired firefighters and serves to hear and support grievances filed by the members. The organization did not contact Maxwell prior to Monday to question the validity of the concerns expressed.
Monday, the union urged the City of Sulphur Springs to publicly disclose its plans for the fire department and to allow public comment before finalizing them. In a letter sent to Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell, TSAFF President John Riddle said, “Our Association and firefighters throughout Texas are deeply concerned about developments regarding the fire service in Sulphur Springs. TSAFF urges the city to delay any vote on a merger of and/or reorganization involving the fire department until such time that local, state and national firefighting experts and Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County citizens can comment on any proposals.
jay sanders
Maxwell stated the he anticipates the council will follow through in naming Police Chief Jay Sanders as Director of Public Safety for the city during their November 7th, Tuesday night meeting. The decision is based on studies of other cities that have adopted the same management style.
