LAKEWOOD, Colo. - Budget issues at West Metro Fire Rescue could mean there will be fewer firefighters to handle emergencies in Lakewood.
Agency officials said this means "there will be seven fewer firefighters on the streets every day."
The agency blames budgetary constraints, a failed mil-levy election, and lagging tax revenues.
"After already saving millions in administrative cost reductions and firefighter pay cuts, West Metro Fire’s service levels will now be affected," the agency warned.
The cuts include:
The District will be permanently closing Engine Company 14, with three firefighters, which responded from Station 14 in Ken Caryl.
The District will also no longer fully staff its Heavy Rescue unit which responded to all structure fires and technical rescue calls throughout the District with four firefighters from Station 4 in Green Mountain.
West Metro will be down-staffing Station 15 in Roxborough from five firefighters to four. This move will affect EMS delivery and ambulance availability.
West Metro has also decided to eliminate one of its front-line District Chief positions.
"These changes are relayed with a very heavy heart from the Firefighters of West Metro but they pledge to serve the citizens of this District to the absolute best of their abilities, as they do every day," officials said.
The cutbacks are part of a proposal that still has to be approved by the publicly-elected Board of Directors.
West Metro Fire Rescue provides services to more than a quarter million people in the following areas: City of Lakewood, Town of Morrison, parts of the cities of Golden and Wheat Ridge, parts of unincorporated Littleton and Jefferson County, Roxborough communities and Waterton Canyon (Douglas County).
West Metro Fire Rescue has 320 full-time firefighters who staff 15 stations and 50 civilian staff members, according to officials. The Fire District covers more than 110 square miles.