“East Cleveland Mayor Addresses Firefighters’ Concerns Over Failing Equipment”
EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) — East Cleveland firefighters and city leaders are expressing growing frustration over the delay in replacing outdated fire department equipment.
The department was promised a new fire engine months ago, but it was sold to another local department after East Cleveland claimed it lacked the funds for the purchase.
On Tuesday, 19 News inquired about the persistent issues faced by the fire department. Mayor Brandon King addressed the concerns, stating, “We are working through some internal issues to resolve this. Certain steps are needed from both the administration and the legislative side to secure the new truck. Rest assured, we have two ladder trucks—one of which is about five years old—as well as two pumpers and four EMS trucks.”
City Council President Twon Billings voiced his concerns about the safety risks to both firefighters and residents. “Accountability lies with us, including the council and the mayor’s office,” Billings said. “It’s not just the mayor’s responsibility; it’s mine as well. I’ve been persistently requesting updates, and I’m growing increasingly frustrated.”
