Firefighters Seek Vote on Merger With County
Downey firefighters who worked for more than year without a contract before recently agreeing to a three-year pact are seeking a public vote on whether it should merge with the county Fire Department.
Union spokesman Andy Doyle said a notice of intent to circulate a petition has been filed with the city attorney. Because Downey has a charter calling for a city fire department, a public vote is required to make the change.
“I know some people will be upset with the petition drive and that is unfortunate,” Doyle said. “We are trying to do what is best for Downey and the Downey firefighters.”
Firefighters, who would earn higher salaries and have greater opportunities for promotion with the county, say the switch would save the city money with no loss of service.
In last week’s municipal elections, Lynwood voted to join the county Fire Department while Montebello decided not to merge.
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