Crime & Safety

Hummel Report Tackles NK Firefighters' 24-Hour Shift Debate

Investigative report Jim Hummel reports on the recently instituted 24-hour for the North Kingstown Fire Department.

The controversial 24-hour work shifts for North Kingstown firefighters just got the Hummel Report treatment. 

Investigative reporter Jim Hummel, formerly of ABC6-TV, has produced an in-depth piece on the 's new work schedule which was . The decision moved firefighters from 10- and 14-hour shifts to a 24-hour shift, reduced the number of platoons from four to three and added 14 hours to firefighters' weekly schedules. 

According to North Kingstown's fire union (Local 1651) president Ray Furtado, the department is too understaffed – resulting in firefighters working in excess of 24 hours. 

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Town Manager Michael Embury, who also appears in Hummel's piece, says that the move will save the town a substantial amount of money and avoid deep cuts in other areas. 

Along with Furtado and Embury, Town Councilor Charles Brennan is featured in Hummel's piece. Brennan, who has opposed the 24-hour shift, was on the losing end of the 3-2 vote that was passed earlier this year.

Find out what's happening in North Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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