Bayonne firefighters say they are against a councilman?s suggestion of adding volunteers to their department.

Councilman Anthony Chiappone (D-Bayonne) has suggested the fire department consider adding volunteers to its professional ranks to get out of debt. ?I think that the very least we can do, being $30 million in the hole and facing a severe budget crisis, is look at all options and opportunities,? said Chiappone.

?[A combination department] will jeopardize public safety. There isn?t any doubt in my mind,? said Patrick Boyle, Bayonne fire department director.

Fire officials also warn if volunteers are added to the department, the response times would get longer.

Chiappone says he doesn?t believe response times would go up. He adds leaders owe it to taxpayers to keep an open mind.