Commission Says No to Reducing First Responders

The City of Safety Harbor and its residents enjoy a very strong relationship with the Fire Department and emergency personnel that help keep the community safe. 

So it’s no surprise that the city commissioners voted to oppose a resolution that would approve the implementation of Phase III of priority medical dispatch by a unanimous vote of 5-0 on Monday night. 

The proposal, which is part of a Pinellas County-wide study that could drastically change funding for emergency medical services, would reduce the number of responders being sent to emergency calls, potentially cutting the fire department out altogether. 

“Phase III will have a negative impact on the level of customer service to residents,” Safety Harbor Fire Chief Joe Accetta told Patch. “We won’t be responding to certain calls, ambulances will be responding.” 

“As it is right now, as soon as someone calls 9-1-1, we’re rolling. With Phase III, you’ll be waiting up to 15 minutes for an ambulance to arrive.”

Accetta pointed out the average response time for the fire department is four and a half minutes. He said the approval of Phase III would result in one fewer call per day for his department, with no cost savings.

These factors led the chief to bring the issue before the city commission in advance of a Board of County Commissioners workshop that is scheduled for Dec. 6. 

Although communities are not required to decide on the item — the ultimate decision whether to approve or deny Phase III will fall to the county commissioners — Chief Accetta said many municipalities have already weighed in on the subject. 

“As of Monday night, nine cities have passed resolutions opposing Phase III – St. Pete, South Pasadena, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, Belleair Bluffs and now Safety Harbor,” he said. 

According to Accetta, four fire districts — Palm Harbor, Pinellas Suncoast, Lealman and East Lake — have also opposed it, while just three cities so far have expressed official support for the proposal: Largo, St. Pete Beach and Seminole.

While the city invited county officials to speak at the commission meeting Monday night, not even their strong support of the concept could sway local officials to approve the plan. 

“Priority dispatch is really triage,” assistant county administrator Maureen Freaney told the commission. “We’ve heard citizens say we over-respond. We’re trying not to over-respond ... and send the right resource the right way at the right time.” 

When Mayor Andy Steingold asked how triage, or sorting, of the emergency calls would be accomplished, Freaney replied “over the phone.”

When Steingold inquired as to the financial benefit of implementing Phase III, Freaney “could not give a specific number.” 

“I’m uncomfortable with the lack of stats,” Commissioner Nancy Besore replied. “I’m concerned about our frail ... and the anxiousness of our elders about a change of this magnitude.” 

Steingold then had the final word on the matter prior to the unanimous vote to approve the opposition of the plan. 

“The county standard is a little different than the standard we pride ourselves in in Safety Harbor. We have a standard that we met ... and we’ve become accustomed to.” 

“Right now the system we have here in Safety Harbor works pretty good,” he added.

Accetta complimented city officials for their thoroughness and support.

“I appreciate the support of the city manager and all five commissioners,” he said. 

“As Chief I’m worried about the level of service on the street,” he added. “My job is to make sure the people in my community are safe.”