COMMUNITY MATTERS >>>

As the Weekly Volcano reported this week, the City of Tacoma is facing up to a $31 million budget shortfall in 2012. To balance the municipal budget, Tacoma officials asked various department heads to craft a plan that involves juggling and rerouting various elements of departmental budgets; eliminating services; adjusting wages of city employees; eliminating programs and services; and laying off more than 160 city employees.

The police and fire departments appear likely to bear the brunt of layoffs.

Trident Athletics on South Tacoma Way feels the pain of those likely to lose their jobs. In a show of support, the fitness club extends a special offer to ALL members of the Tacoma police and fire departments.

In an email to the Weekly Volcano, Trident Athletics writes,

We are offering a month free starting next Monday, December 12 through January 12 to any Tacoma police and fire team member. The free month membership includes our popular 3x a week CrossFit class.

We know how important it is to stay mentally and physically sharp during such stressful situations. Our owner and coach Jeff Serven is a former Navy SEAL and very passionate about helping. Additionally, several of our students are current members of the Tacoma police department or firefighters living in Tacoma but working for other cities.

Coaches and athletes are also planning a fundraiser for a few of the families. We will let you know as these details are solidified. However, any help letting the police and fire departments know they are welcome to workout for free from December 12 through January 12th would be greatly appreciated. We are available for phone interviews throughout this weekend or on Monday and could include our current police and fire students to comment if appropriate. We hoped this would work for an online brief or short story next week.

Thank you for all you do.

To take advantage of the special offer, call 253.777.9714

LINK: Weekly Volcano's report on Tacoma's budget issues