YARMOUTH, NS – A rally and march to show support for the four fire dispatchers at the Yarmouth Fire Department is taking place on Saturday, Jan. 19 in Yarmouth.
The event is aimed at showing thanks to the four dispatchers for their work throughout the years, but also to protest against the decision to layoff the dispatchers and outsource dispatch services. The town announced this direction last April.
People are asked to gather at the Yarmouth fire hall on Pleasant Street at 2 p.m. After people have gathered a march down to the Yarmouth town hall on Main Street will take place.
People are encouraged to dress warmly and to bring signage, but they’re asked to keep messages on signs civilized.
Organizers are hoping for a large turnout.
No agreement was reached between the departments, municipal units and the town for a different type of cost-sharing of the fire dispatch service. The majority of fire departments that were served by Yarmouth dispatch have since made the switch over to fire dispatch centres in Digby and the Valley. The town of Yarmouth has not yet stated what dispatch service it intends to switch its services too, or when it intends to make the change.
