PETERSBURG, Va. -- In the latest issue involving the budget crisis in Petersburg, equipment from the city’s fire department is at risk of being taken away due to unpaid bills by the city.
In a letter to Fire Chief T.C. Hairston, obtained by CBS 6, Blue Ridge Rescue Suppliers said it planned to "request the return" of clothes and equipment for which the department has not yet paid.
"It is with great remorse that I inform you of the intent of Blue Ridge Rescue Suppliers to request the return of all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) items sold to the Petersburg Fire Department, that to date have not been paid for," the letter began. "It brings me no pleasure at all to do so and I deeply regret the situation in which your department has been placed."
The supplier said the department is past due on invoices that date back to April and May. The unpaid bills, according to the letter, amount to $32,843.
The protective gear in question includes turnout pants, turnout coats, helmets, and boots.
“If we don't have the proper gear to keep the fire and the heat off of us were not going to be allowed to go inside a burning building; Therefore lives will be lost and property will be lost also,” said retired Petersburg Firefighter Gene Beemer.
Earlier Wednesday, Scott Spencer, with the Firefighters Union, urged the city’s leadership to "push firefighter safety issues to the forefront of their decision making, and ensure payment is extended to the vendor."
On Wednesday, CBS 6 pressed acting City Manager Dironna Moore Belton about the concerns.
“You have firefighters and residents who are worried about the safety of the residents here in Petersburg because of this issue..." said CBS 6 reporter Chelsea Rarrick.
"Again, the safety of the city... There is no need to worry about the safety of the city," Moore replied.
Moore says she has spoken to the company and the city has not passed the deadline of September 12 of when the payment is due.
When asked if the bill would be paid back Moore said, “We will try our very best. That is my goal.”
Along with public safety we also questioned Moore about the recent promotion and pay raises for employees during a hiring freeze.
“We've released over $400,000, almost $500,000 worth of employees that all did duties for the city,” she said.
