Leadsled
I think you are wrong on this one. What was promised was a metropolitian fire and rescue service based on the airport to serve the community and the airport.
You seem to be focused on accident and fire only, I could sight many many examples in recent history where the ARFF have made a differance or could have if they were there.
Just two are
apr 2005 94 year old lady has a heart attack on a 737 about 30 miles to run HB ARFF saved her life i spoke to her two weeks later and still do shes 100 soon and sharper than you and me put together!!
Jan 2007 man in his 50's had heart problems/stroke after landing in a chieftian at BK abulance took 9 mins to arrive (not a dig at the ambos)
I can tell you of lots more but the point is that to look at it from a bean counters persective only is wrong in my opinion but thats what the world has come too.
cheers