NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- Some are blaming a firefighter shortage in New Britain on a rift between the chief and the union.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Hena Daniels reported that the New Britain Fire Department currently has 18 firefighter positions open as well as a fire marshal position and five lieutenant vacancies.

Union president Ed Preese told Eyewitness News that he is qualified for a lieutenant position and that he deserves it despite the fact that Fire Chief Mark Carr has what Preese calls a personal vendetta against him.

Carr said that the vacancies are because veteran firefighters are reaching retirement at the same time. He said that Preese is a candidate for the lieutenant position, but that there may be other applicants who are more qualified.

Carr said that Preese is stirring up problems within the department.

Preese said that the shortage of personnel is a safety issue not only for firefighters, but also for the city.

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