We, the undersigned residents of Red Deer, demand immediate action to address the chronic understaffing crisis in Red Deer Emergency Services. This issue has been growing for years, and the time for action is now. 
 
Despite repeated warnings from frontline firefighter/paramedics, the City has failed to fill long-standing vacancies, leaving essential services dangerously thin. Instead of hiring to meet demand, the City has implemented a dynamic staffing model—resulting in entire fire stations being shut down, Engine Crews that are dangerously undermanned, and ambulances unavailable for full shifts. This model is not a solution; it is a direct threat to public safety. 
 
Firefighter/Paramedics have continually stepped up—working excessive overtime not because they want to, but because they refuse to leave their crews or the community vulnerable. Their dedication has been the only thing preventing an even worse crisis. But this is not sustainable, and it should never have been necessary. 
 
In a decisive act, over 75% of Red Deer Emergency Services eligible voting members have cast a vote of non-confidence in Fire Chief McMullen, Deputy Chief Pelke, and Deputy Chief Schaefer to a resounding 99% in favor. This speaks volumes about the current state of leadership, and it cannot be ignored. 
 

We are calling on the City of Red Deer to: 
1. End the dangerous Dynamic Staffing Policy that leaves communities vulnerable and firefighters/paramedics stretched beyond safe limits. 
2. Accept and acknowledge the vote of non-confidence expressed by the very firefighter/paramedics who protect this city—those closest to the impact of these decisions. 
3. Recognize that closing fire stations, removing equipment from service, or running undermanned engines is not a responsible or safe alternative to proper staffing. These are not budget solutions—they are public safety risks. 
4. Prioritize sustainable and safe staffing solutions moving forward, including consistent 4-person engine crews at all 5 stations across the city, 24/7, as outlined in the staffing recommendations of NFPA 1710
 
Why This Matters: 

 • Lives are at risk. Delays in fire or medical response—even by minutes—can mean the difference between life and death. 
 • Every area of Red Deer is impacted. When one station is closed, it places impossible strain on others and slows city-wide response times. 
 • Frontline emergency workers have spoken. The overwhelming vote of non-confidence is a clear call for change from those who know the system best. 
 
We urge City Council to act before this crisis leads to a preventable tragedy. Red Deer deserves an Emergency Services department that is properly staffed, responsibly led, and able to protect our families and neighborhoods. 
 
By signing this petition, I affirm that I am a resident or supporter of Red Deer and I demand that the City prioritize public safety over budget constraints—immediately.