Lawrence Livermore Labs Sticks With Alameda Co.; Rejects Wackenhut
One of the nation’s most critical security instillations has renewed its commitment to its safety and to regional fire protection in Alameda County.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), the seat of much of the nation’s nuclear research, this week announced it is renewing its five-year contract with Alameda County Fire Department to provide fire and EMS services for the facility. In so doing, the facility rejected an effort by Wackenhut Services International to privatize the facility’s critical safety services.
“This decision by Lawrence Livermore Labs is the right choice, not only for the facility itself but for those who live in the region,” said Alameda Co. Firefighters Local 55 President John Torres. “Privatizing through Wackenhut could have crippled regional mutual aid and put one of our most sensitive institutions at greater risk.”
The announcement was made possible in part by a full-court press during the bidding process – a coordinated effort involving ACFD management, Alameda Co. Firefighters Local 55 and other regional agencies and firefighter local unions. CPF and IAFF also participated, making the case for fully professional fire protection to state and federal political leaders.
“The contract award is precedent setting and will no doubt serve as a model process for other jurisdictions faced with a similar need to preserve their municipal fire services against privatization,” said Alameda Co. Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert.
The action by LLNL is the latest blow to Wackenhut, a private security company that has tried to muscle its way into local fire protection in California. The for-profit security firm tried to use its influence as a defense contractor to win the LLNL bid.
“The protection of LLNL is too important to be left to private providers, who often staff with under-trained, low-paid individuals,” said CPF President Lou Paulson. “This award sends a message that California’s fire service stands united in rejecting sub-standard privatized fire protection.”
