​Response to City Leadership on Firefighter Staffing

By Kevin M. Klerks, Candidate for Councillor, City of Red Deer

Dear Red Deerians,

Recent comments from Mayor Johnston and City Manager Lodewyk regarding Red Deer Firefighters staffing and funding highlight a deeper issue: instead of addressing the real problem, The City of Red Deer leadership has chosen to criticize those raising legitimate public safety concerns. While respectful communication is important, dismissing firefighters’ warnings undermines trust and ignores the reality of our growing city.

It is notable that the letter was signed only by the City Manager and Mayor, lacking the signatures of other Council members. While not required, with the election so close, residents should know where every councillor stands. I believe all decision-makers should be held accountable for the city’s actions, particularly over the next several weeks.

The timing also raises concerns — in jurisdictions across the country, a “lame duck” period (status-quo) exists before an election to prevent outgoing officials from making controversial decisions or incurring additional expenses. Red Deer currently has no such policy, though perhaps it should, ideally for the 6-90 days leading up to an election, to ensure responsible governance and protect taxpayer interests.

I could respond to their letter point by point, but as a candidate and hopefully future Councillor, my responsibility is to serve the residents of Red Deer and listen to the voices of the people I serve — not the Administration. I am concerned first with what residents think, not with what a likely soon-to-be unelected Mayor and Council feel.

The situation at Station 2 is serious. Staffing levels repeatedly fall below recommended standards, and temporary measures do not solve the long-term problem. Response times remain longer than they should be, putting residents and firefighters at risk. Notably, the fire chief has received a 99% vote of non-confidence from the majority of union members, signaling a significant breakdown in trust between leadership and frontline staff.

If public safety and community well-being were truly a shared priority, this breakdown in communication and understanding would never have occurred. Instead, the City has chosen to discipline firefighters publicly for expressing a difference of opinion — a move that is both unprofessional and politically unwise.
Here’s what Red Deer requires to move forward responsibly:

* A permanent increase in fire-medic staffing by at least 25%, ensuring crews are fully prepared for every shift at every station.

* Planning and funding for an additional fire station to meet the city’s projected growth.

* Budget decisions that prioritize essential emergency services over short-term savings or symbolic projects.

* Open, transparent discussion in Council chambers so residents and frontline staff can see and understand the decisions being made.

Leadership is about listening, taking action, and putting public safety first. This debate is not about billboards or personalities — it is about ensuring that when someone dials 911, trained professionals are ready and equipped to respond.

Red Deer deserves a City Council and Mayor who focus on solutions, not optics, and who foster collaboration instead of public confrontation.

Kevin M. Klerks
Candidate for Councillor, City of Red Deer
Plan Smart, Build Strong, And Save For The Future!