Ed: The following article from the Heights Observer offers some new information on the proposed UH-SH fire merger. Again community members are encouraged to learn more and get involved in this important process.

(Heights Observer)

On Thursday, Feb. 07, University Heights (UH) resident Anita Kazarian interviewed John Novosielski, president of Local 974 of the International Association of Fire Fighters. Kazarian’s questions and questions and Novosielski’s responses follow.

Q: One hundred percent of University Heights firefighters are trained as paramedics or emergency medical services. Is this true of Shaker Heights firefighters?

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(Plain Dealer)

The leaders of the Shaker Heights and University Heights firefighters unions both believe their cities’ administrations are not listening to them concerning issues they have with the proposed merger of the two cities’ fire departments.

Marty O’Neill, president of the Shaker Heights firefighters union, IAFF Local 516, and John Novosielski, president of the University Heights firefighters union, IAFF Local 974, both said they were not informed until Feb. 1 the mayors of those two cities had signed a memorandum of understanding to form a council of governments for the purpose of merging the fire departments.

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