Six Ypsilanti Township firefighters opt for early retirement

He said he is pleased several firefighters took the opportunity, which will save the department $576,000 in salaries alone in the next fiscal year. Long term, Copeland expects savings of roughly $8 million over the next 15 years.

“It puts me in a better managerial position in terms of how to float the wages and benefits packages of my remaining staff and make sure all my vehicles and resources are up to par,” he said.

One staff member has already left the department, while several more departures are scheduled in the coming weeks. Several of the department's higher-ranking officers have announced they will retire so far, including the fire marshal, a senior captain and two lieutenants. Copeland said the number of veterans retiring is not cause for concern because the department has younger staff who are ready for promotion. Other experienced firefighters will also remain aboard.

“We have some people with tremendous potential, and this is a great opportunity for some of the older guys to retire - they’ve served the township well,” Copeland said. “We have staff that aspire to leadership roles and it’s my aim to create the stage for that to happen. They bring some fresh new ideas and some innovative ways to continue to deliver the service.”

The new arrangement will leave the department staffed with 27 firefighters - down from 33 - at three stations. The minimum number of firefighters on one shift is six, though Copeland said there will usually be more. The central station has two engines and a rescue vehicle, while each satellite station houses two engines. The department requires two firefighters per truck.

Addressing concerns over safety, Copeland said the development and implementation of the new arrangement is a collaborative effort between management, union leadership and staff. He said while the department is operating with less staff, he believes his firefighters are still safe.

“It’s a win-win situation in how we are still able to be a functional fire department with a reduced staff,” he said.

Lieutenant Larry Gakle is one of the firefighters taking the early retirement offer. He said he doesn’t want to leave, but the unpredictable financial situation, restructuring and the fact that it came down to younger guys being laid off or the older guys taking the early retirement influenced his decision.

“I’ll probably regret leaving and I’ll probably regret staying - that’s my feeling,” he said.

Copeland said the situation is tough for all involved, but he sees it as a positive step to help the department remain solvent and achieve a targeted $1 million in savings over the next two years.

“I think we’re on our way to getting to our goal of $1 million in savings,” he said. “And in a substantive way - it’s not just a shell game.”