Police officers respond to crime.
Firefighters put out fires.
At least that's the traditional thinking.
But one Michiana town is merging those roles into one "Public Safety" Department in an effort to save money.
"I think it'll be a good idea as long as quality of service is maintained," says resident Chris Buckleitner.
Folks in St. Joe aren't exactly all for it, but many we talked to like the idea of the money this plan is supposed to save.
That's as long as there isn't a bigger price paid.
"I also am concerned about job security for city employees. That I believe is very important," says Buckleitner.
St. Joseph's Operations Manager, Mark Clapp, says seven jobs will be eliminated, amounting to a saving of $2 thousand a day.
The city will dissolve its dispatch and emergency calls will go through the county, so four positions there and three firefighter positions will be eliminated.
Clapp says most of those people have found other employment.
Here's how it works, police officers will be trained to fight fires alongside existing firefighters.
Eight officers have already been crossed trained and are ready to suit up.
The rest of the squad will train over the winter.
Firefighters, however, will not be cross trained to work as police officers.
Other cities in Michigan have already been doing this and Clapp says it seems to be working for them.
"It works, and it'll work here. It'll be good for our taxpayers," says Clapp.
The change is in effect, but now firefighters are threatening to sue the city over the deal.
Clapp says firefighters voted unanimously in favor back in March.
Clapp says the wording hasn't changed in the actual contact but now firefighters are questioning some language.
They filed a petition for arbitration with the city.
