Posted by Another Observer, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Aug 1, 2007 at 1:33 am

The real problem is that the city is "short" at least 2 fire stations. Also the fire fighters to staff them.

It dosen't seem to unreasonable to not send a firetruck away when the city is so short on firefighters and equipment.

Isn't the important thing for the off duty firefighters to show up at the memorial?

Posted by bruce, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Aug 1, 2007 at 10:05 am

To Another Observer,

Please read the City Auditor's Annual Report, Service Efforts and Accomplishments for FY 2005-06 (this is the latest issue.) On page 3.3 this comparison for the Palo Alto Fire Dept. to other cities is given: "Palo Alto has more fire stations per capita than most other local jurisdictions."

The publication is an excellent source of reference for how the city spends our money for all services.

Posted by Firefighter, a resident of another community, on Aug 1, 2007 at 12:21 pm

The Palo Alto Firefighters wanted to use a out of service truck with OFF-DUTY firefighters to go to the Contra Costa service. They even offer to pay for fuel. The City Manager and City Attorney said NO.

Palo Alto was the only city not sending a truck to the service for two firefighters killed while trying to rescue two people in their burning home.

The City Manager wouldn't even lower the flags (at the Palo Alto Fire Stations) on the day of the service. He said "we don't lower flags nilly-willy". How Sad.