As the debate continues over whether city leaders should approve a recommended change to Davis’ four-person fire crews, some local residents have formed a community group supporting the firefighters.

While there was no specific mention of the proposed reduction to three-person crews in a news release issued earlier this week, Friends of Davis Firefighters say their mission is “to educate the community about the ongoing efforts of the Davis Fire Department to ensure the safety of the city of Davis’ 69,000 residents through its emergency and preventive services.”

At issue is an audit prepared last fall by former Interim Fire Chief Scott Kenley that suggested the cash-strapped city could achieve $360,000 in annual savings by reducing the city’s four-person fire crews to three personnel at each of the fire stations in downtown, West and South Davis, as well as adding a two-person rescue unit downtown that could respond to incidents separately, instead of in tandem with a fire engine.

The firefighters’ union, Local 3494, opposes the recommendation, saying it would reduce public safety and increase property loss by forcing firefighters to wait for a second crew to arrive on scene before entering a burning structure, in keeping with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s “two-in, two-out” mandate enacted in 1999.

“Davis firefighters work around the clock to ensure our safety yet they are under attack by a vocal minority in our community,” said member Alan Fernandes, described in the news release as a Wildhorse resident and community volunteer. “As a resident of a neighborhood which is outside the desired 911 response time, it is important that this group educate city officials and other citizens about the value of the firefighters and the level of service they provide to our community.”

Fernandes finished third in the race for two seats on the Davis Board of Education last fall. An attorney, he is a lobbyist for Los Angeles County.

“The last thing these brave men and women need is someone playing Monday morning quarterback about the hard-earned benefits they deserve for being on the front lines of every emergency that comes Davis’ way,” added Gina Nunes, a parent and school volunteer. “The Friends of Davis Firefighters is a group of concerned residents who are willing to say ‘enough is enough’ and show that the overwhelming majority of Davis citizens appreciate the hard work of these public servants.”

Nunes said the group plans to launch a public-awareness campaign using social media, local advertising and a website.