Davidson County firefighters vote no confidence in chief

Union firefighters announced a vote of no confidence in Nashville Fire Chief Stephen Halford. With more than half the members of the Nashville Firefighters and Fire Service Employees Association Local 140 voting Thursday, 88 percent said they've lost confidence in Halford. Members say that they're frustrated with how he has managed the budget and that he doesn't listen to their concerns. Doug Conquest, president of the local union, said a decision to cut some engine companies from four-man teams to three creates safety concerns. Although the vote is largely symbolic and Halford won't be fired, Mayor Karl Dean said the vote sends a message that can't be ignored. Still Dean said he has confidence in Halford's management, and all city departments have been asked to make do with budget cuts. ASSOCIATED PRESS