Debating the Future of Fire Protection in Traverse City

The future of Traverse City fire protection is a hot topic for Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes and Traverse City Firefighters Association President Chad Rueckert on a new edition of CrossTalk North, only on public-access UpNorthTV 97 & 992.

Discussions to replace the Traverse City Fire Department with services from the regional Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority have sparked speculation on all sides about the consequences. Estes says that Traverse City must continually evaluate opportunities to provide cost-effective services to citizens, and that combining regional fire protection resources is an option worth exploring. Rueckert says that the Traverse City Fire Department is an asset the city cannot afford to lose, and that Metro will be unable to replace the services they can provide. Jobs, property, public safety, and city resources are all at stake.

Hear both sides of this important local issue as Estes and Rueckert engage face-to-face on this edition of CrossTalk North. Moderated by David Poinsett, the program will air Monday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 22 at a special holiday time of 10:30 p.m., and Friday, November 23 at 8 p.m. on UpNorthTV cable channels 97 and 992. The program will also be available online at www.UpNorthMedia.org.