The union representing Vancouver firefighters is ramping up pressure on Mayor Gregor Robertson to reverse a decision by their chief, John McKearney.

In a news release issued last night, Vancouver Fire Fighters IAFF Local 18 stated that McKearney "directed staff to remove Medic 12 from service due to staffing decisions".

The union claimed that the decision to pull the vehicle was made "with a lack of regard for public safety".

"Firefighters from Medic 12 not only provide a quick response to medical emergencies but they are positioned at the Kitsilano fire hall to increase the depth of response to fire emergencies, which dramatically improves our rescue response," union president Robert Weeks said in a news release.

The union also claimed that the city has "removed an apparatus from Kerrisdale" and "left large parts of the West Side of the city empty".

In the future, plans call for removing two firefighters from the West End, the union added.

"We are hopeful that Mayor Robertson and Vancouver city council will address the situation at Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services and issue direction that will provide for the safety of citizens and firefighters," Weeks said.

The union also noted in its news release that last year, 94 percent of firefighters indicated "no confidence in the leadership of their department.

Editor's note: After this article was posted, Mayor Robertson issued the following written statement.

“Public safety is always City Council’s top priority, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve emergency response. As Mayor, I have full confidence in the operational decision-making of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services and its leadership, and immense respect for the work that all Vancouver Firefighters do every day to make our city an even safer place to live.

“Over the past 3 years, the City has invested $78 million in capital projects for Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, including $38.2 million for fire halls, $35.2 million for new fire trucks, and $3.4 million for new fire boats. Council has also increased the operating budget for Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services from $108 million in 2014 to $117 million in 2016, and we will continue our work to ensure first responders have the resources they need to fully protect our city.”