Morristown residents speak out against police and fire cuts

Morristown residents speak out against police and fire cuts

By JILL MCNEAL
6 News Anchor/Reporter

MORRISTOWN (WATE) -- People in Morristown are sounding off about the budget cuts approved Tuesday night for the city's police and fire departments.

Some question why city officials made cuts that could jeopardize their family's safety. 

At Fred Miller Park Wednesday evening, where people usually come to relax and unwind after work, the people who spoke to 6 News are worried and upset.

"Cuts can be made in other places, other than with those who protect us," says Pastor Jeff Harvel, who's lived in Morristown all his life.

"I don't think we're going down hill, but if this continues, in time, the community will," Pastor Harvel adds.

Kelly Bolyard just moved to Morristown in August and has already been the victim of a break-in.

"If they can rob me and rob two doors down with the existing police, you cut police and there's going to be more burglaries. It doesn't make sense to cut from there," Bolyard says.

She feels just as strongly about the fire department. "There are too many older homes. This time of year, people are using their wood stoves and kerosene. Cold season isn't the time to be cutting your firefighters."

Even those who've been impacted by the recession personally say you just can't compromise when it comes to protection. 

"Times are tough everywhere. I've been laid off most of the year myself, but the city needs firemen and policemen. It's as simple as that," Ricky Brooks says.

The lay offs and cutbacks for all city workers, including fire and police, begin in less than two weeks.

Morristown Police Chief Roger Overholt believes the cuts to his department will affect how quickly officers respond to emergencies.

Fire Chief Bill Honeycutt isn't willing to go that far yet.

"We will still do to the best of our abilities what we can to protect you, your family, your property, your business, but it's going to be more difficult. The numbers will not be the same and in firefighting numbers are very important," Honeycutt says.

He's most concerned right now about his firefighters' safety on the scene, since there will be fewer people working per shift.