Three Saskatoon firefighters accused of assaulting two Saskatoon police officers pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and obstruction in provincial court Thursday.
 
Jeffrey Tisdale, Clifford Hamilton and Keith Walliser were off-duty when they allegedly fought with police on the Broadway Bridge in the early morning of Aug. 12, after the officers allegedly stepped in to break up a fight.

A trial is tentatively set for Nov. 19 and 20.

The Crown argued to push it to February, noting the cost of paying six officers to testify on their days off.

However, defense lawyer Morris Bodnar pointed out the cost of having three firefighters suspended with pay.

Saskatoon Fire Chief Brian Bentley declined to speak about the details surrounding the case, but said moral is still high at the department.

"This is just business as usual. This is just three individuals that are in this position and we have to let that take its course."

Bentley said he has spoken with Police Chief Clive Weighill about the charges.

"We work very closely with them (police), have for years, and will continue to do so. We have a very good, close working relationship."

bmcadam@rawlco.com

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