The city of Augusta (GA) will be without its fire department ambulance service for the next year after a vote by the Augusta Commission, WRDW-TV reports.
Gold Cross Ambulance Service will be providing medical transportation in the interim.
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The suspension of the city’s service comes as a consulting firm found high turnover rates, mandatory overtime and staffing issues on ambulances and at fire stations.
The commission first talked of suspending Chief Chris James. That motion was not voted on at a recent meeting. The commission instead voted to suspended ambulance services.
“We do have to realize there is a problem somewhere, whether it be at the top or the bottom–whether it be a driver or the man on the board, there is still a problem somewhere,” said Commissioner Marion Williams. “Our fire department needs to be apart saving lives, protecting property.”