LAWTON, Okla. (KAUZ) - Lawton’s city government is looking to cut down on spending, and its efforts are creating friction between city hall and first responders.

Wednesday morning, the Lawton Firefighters Association released a statement stating the city was cutting staffing for ladder trucks from the nationally-recommended four firefighters per truck down to just two. LFA further urged the community to reach out to Lawton government officials to persuade the city to change course for the safety of firefighters and the public.

“Ladder trucks are critical for rescues, ventilation, and gaining access to upper floors during fires and emergencies. Operating these trucks with only two firefighters slows down response, increases risk to victims, and limits what can be accomplished when seconds matter,” the LFA statement said, continuing, “We’re calling on our community to stand with us. Contact your city council representative today and demand full staffing for your ladder trucks.”

The City of Lawton released a response on Wednesday afternoon, acknowledging the Association’s concerns but pointing to the city’s financial situation as a necessary driver behind the decision. The city also clarified that it was only requiring the fire department to cut back on overtime staffing, with standard staffing unaffected.

“To clarify recent concerns, the City has not made any changes to the standard staffing levels for ladder trucks. However, considering increased overtime expenditures, which have been impacted by factors such as sick leave, vacation, training, and other approved absences, the City has implemented temporary limitations on using overtime to fill certain vacancies," the city’s statement said.

The City said it is implementing broader cost-cutting measures across multiple departments. The statement said the fire and police departments were a combined $239,823.70 over their allocated overtime budgets with multiple months left in the fiscal year.

“It’s important to note that the adjustment to the Lawton Fire Department is based on the City’s current financial position. Should conditions improve, this measure can be revisited and potentially lifted,” the city’s statement said.