In May 2005, Carr presented his case for an assistant chief to council members, but the resolution was sent to committee. He plans to bring the resolution back to the council at the March 8 meeting after receiving a favorable recommendation from the Health and Public Safety Committee.

"This position is about what’s best for the city in the long-term," Carr said."Our job is to give value to the city."

In a statement to the committee, Carr said, "New Britain Fire Department is unfortunately the only career department in the State of Connecticut with this level of responsibility and an inadequately sized management team without any secretarial support at any level with the entire department."

He also cited in the document several Connecticut cities with two or more assistant fire chiefs including, Waterbury, Milford, East Hartford, Hartford, Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven.

Preece says he’s not sure that the position will enhance the department.

"I can’t speak on the benefits of the position, because I’m not sure what the duties of this position would be. The department has run for ages without an assistant chief, and I don’t know why all of a sudden we need ..one," Preece said.

"The fire department isn’t even fully staffed. And, we are trying to save money these days, but I’d rather see 138 firefighters trained as EMTs.

"I’d rather see the money put there. There are a lot of things we can do for the department, so from a financial standpoint, I don’t think it’s the best option to make."

However, Carr states that the $70,000 per year salary has already been budgeted for the position.

"I created a position for a deputy chief," he said.

"The union didn’t want it..The money was kept in the budget, and that’s what would be allocated toward this position because it’s more cost-effective to the city."

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 221.