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FIREFIGHTER STAFFING, FUNDING...SAFETY AND SURVIVAL
 

Quik Response Unit

The Financial Crisis of 2008-2009
"STAFFING & RESOURCES: DOING AN ALREADY DIFFICULT JOB WITHOUT THEM?"

Cuts in the Fire Service

 

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL & THE US NAVY SEEM TO GET IT WHAT “STAFFING” IS ALL ABOUT!

What is happening?

As a result of the budgetary crisis that is following the financial Crash of 2008, municipalities are reducing expenditures. Budget administrators are deciding how much and what kind of fire protection their municipalities can financially afford. Many are determining that they cannot afford what they presently have.

WE, at FireFighterCloseCalls.com know that a PROPERLY FUNDED AND STAFFED FIRE DEPARTMENT is like an INSURANCE POLICY....YOU ONLY WORRY ABOUT IT WHEN YOU NEED IT....and to find out you are "not covered" can be devastating.....

While it is EASY for elected officials, Mayors and City Manager-Types to cut fire service funding, so often their short sighted-ness leads to disaster...for the taxpayers AND for the FIREFIGHTERS expected to operate "as usual" ....but WITHOUT the required resources. IT IS PREDICATBLE that a fire department with less funding, staffing and related resources WILL NOT arrive quicker, the fire WILL spread faster and FIREFIGHTERS abilities to effectively slow or stop the fire...and perform the needed SEARCHES and RESCUES will be measurably and negatively IMPACTED. After all, a TAXPAYER may only need THEIR FD ONCE....just like filing an INSURANCE CLAIM. So what will happen when they dial 9-1-1? Just like filing that severely cut insurance claim, they will sadly find out that they DO NOT have the coverage that they now IMMEDIATELY NEED

If it is PREDICTABLE....It is PREVENTABLE.

READERS: Please also take time to GOOGLE the specific FD listed so you can personally contact-or track-what the latest is in relation to the specific FD's cuts and reductions.

What are we doing?

FFCC, from your input, is recording the staffing and resource reductions caused by these monetary decisions

Why?

To share news of how the financial decisions are affecting the fire service nation wide. Impacts include contractual, operational, staffing, deployment, and compensation issues.

FFCC is documenting the reductions so that "before and after" comparisons can be made. Seldom has any city ever analyzed the consequences of downsizing long term in an objective manner. Staffing studies show up every ten years or so, but we never see a post downsizing study comparison. Sometimes we might see a response time review but never any life or property loss analysis. Companies get closed, staffing gets cut, and the city just accepts a different (lower) level of service. Public memory is much too short. Why can we talk about the potential effects of cuts before, but never document them after?

The "crisis" actually started in FY 07/08. The cuts that we are seeing now are adjustments for FY 08/09, and there are hundreds of them. The real cuts will come during FY 09/10 as cities see four quarters of diminished incomes.

What can we do to avoid the cuts?

Document, document, document. Record the statistics for at least the last 12 months prior to any cuts so that comparisons can be made of the effects next year and later. Vital statistics such as response times, losses, ISO ratings, injuries, retirement rates. You can't prove what the effect of any cut was unless you define what the service level was before. You will not be able to ever restore what was cut without proving the consequences of the cut.

Why tell the world on Firefighter Close Calls?

What happens to one department, can and will happen to other departments, sooner or later. By submitting your department’s cuts, we can watch, record and learn, so that we can educate the budgetary people sooner, with documented facts. Tell us what is happening in your area and update any changes. Staffing@firefighterclosecalls.com.

October 13, 2009 Report
 
City / State Event Proposed / Implemented Date Source
Calera, AL Reduce minimum shift staffing from 8 to 6 Proposed 6/1/2009 WBRC-TV MyFoxAL .com
  Reduce pay 5% (up to 20% proposed) Proposed    
         
Huntsville, AL Not fill vacant Fire Chief position Proposed    
  City hiring freeze Proposed    
         
Anchorage, AK Rotating brownouts - 1 engine (of 15) per shift, 2 ladders (of 5) per night shift.  (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures)  Implemented 2/20/2009 Anchorage Daily News
  Contract concession 3% raise Proposed    
  Layoff 8 (of 400) firefighters, including 3 Battalion Chiefs, 3 Safety Chiefs Implemented 8/14/2009  
  Layoff 7 (of 392) firefighters Proposed 9/5/2009  
  Eliminate all overtime Proposed    
  Eliminate minimum staffing Proposed    
  Brownout of 1 or 2 stations (of 15) based on daily staffing Proposed    
  Additional layoffs Proposed 8/26/2009  
  Additional brownouts Proposed    
  Additional permanent unit closures Proposed    
  2%, 5%, 7% budget reduction scenarios Proposed    
         
Scottsdale, AZ Reduce live burn training to once per year Implemented   Firefighter Hourly .com
         
White Mountain Lake, AZ Fire Department disbanded due to lack of funding Implemented 1/18/2009  
         
Pine Bluff, AR Reduce staffing on Ladder companies to 1 Implemented 01//2008  
  Place ladder companies out of service to keep engines staffed Implemented    
  Eliminate overtime Implemented    
         
Cal Fire, CA Reduce pay 9.32% Implemented    
  FY09/10 Reduce budget $80 million Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Layoff 600 full-time firefighters Proposed    
  Layoff 1,100 seasonal firefighters Proposed    
  Close 11 conservation camps Proposed    
  Close 20 single-engine stations Proposed    
  Reducing crew staffing Proposed    
  Parcel tax, flat fee Proposed 6/14/2009 U-T Sacramento Bureau
  4.8 % surcharge on homeowner and business property insurance premiums Proposed 4/1/2010  
         
Alameda, CA Close 1 Engine (of 5) Implemented 4/1/2009  
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 27 to 21 Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Brownout 1 Ladder (of 2) Proposed    
         
Alhambra, CA Unfilled vacancies for Assistant Chief and six firefighter positions Implemented    
  Fees for services Implemented    
         
Arcadia, CA Minimum staffing in Administration, Fire Prevention & Suppression (3 person companies) Implemented    
  Cut $215,000 (non personnel) Implemented FY08/09  
  Reduce budget 5% ($600,000) Proposed FY09/10  
         
Belmont San Carlos, CA Close 1 Engine (of 4) Implemented   Fire Dispatch
         
Beverly Hills, CA Eliminate discretionary expenses Implemented    
  Partially freeze vacant positions. Unless the position is essential to operations or is a revenue generating position (e.g. parking enforcement), it is to be held vacant. Implemented    
  FY09/10 Plan reduced budget by 10% and 15% Proposed    
         
Brea, CA Reduce staffing on paramedic engines from 4 to 3 Implemented    
         
Burbank, CA FY09/10 Reduce budget 5% Proposed    
  Eliminate one Captain and one clerical position.  Do not fill four firefighter positions Proposed    
  Brownout one fire company for four months Proposed    
         
Camp Roberts, CA Two furlough days (9.3% pay cut) Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce FD budget 30% Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Replace overtime with compensatory time Implemented 7/1/2009  
  One additional furlough day Proposed    
  Layoff of 2 firefighters (of 15)-proposed Proposed    
  Reuce pay 5 to 10% Proposed    
         
Culver City, CA Extended contracts with no increases for Fire Management and Firefighters Associations  Implemented    
  Municipal hiring freeze Implemented    
         
Downey, CA Unfilled vacant Assistant Chief position Implemented    
  Municipal hiring freeze Implemented    
         
El Monte, CA (Los Angeles County FD) Close 1 Engine and Station (of 4 in El Monte) Proposed 9/1/2009  
         
Escondido, CA Eliminate BLS Ambulances and layoff EMTs Implemented 7/6/2009  
         
Fairfield, CA FY 07/08 Eliminate Deputy Chief Administrative Support (vacant), Battalion Chief Training (vacant), Administrative Assistant (retirement). Implemented    
  FY 08/09 Cut discretionary spending (cell contracts, medical supplies, pagers, etc) $221,000).  Eliminate Fire Prevention Inspctor II Public Education Officer positions.  Reassign Inspector III/Plans Examiner to the Community Development division (part of Implemented    
  FY 09/10 Eliminate Fire Prevention Bureau, Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Marshal positions. Proposed    
         
Glendale, CA FY08/09 Eliminate three positions in Operations (sworn), three positions in Administration (sworn), and one position Administrative Assistant (civilian) Implemented 2008  
  Reduce one Deputy to Battalion Chief Implemented 2008  
  Reduce budget 5% Implemented 2008  
  Freeze hiring freeze for all non-essential positions Implemented 2009  
  Eliminate another Deputy Chief and one Administrative firefighter Implemented 2009  
  FY01/10 Reduce budget 5% Proposed    
         
Hemet, CA Close one Engine & Station Implemented    
  Reduce Fire Department budget 20% Implemented    
  Layoff 3 staff Battalion Chief positions Implemented    
  FY09/10 Reduce FD budget by 26% Proposed    
  FY09/10 Reduce pay by 8% Proposed    
  Early retire 7 positions Proposed 7/1/2009  
         
Hermosa Beach, CA Freeze Assistant Chief position Implemented    
  Reduce shift staffing from 6 to 5.  Two Engines & one Paramedic Ambulance Proposed    
  Reduce sworn personnel 20% (from 20 to 16) Proposed    
         
Lodi, CA Reduce minimum shift staffing from 15 to 12 Implemented 3/1/2009  
  Reduce pay 2.5% Implemented 3/1/2009  
  No overtime - comp time Implemented 3/1/2009  
  One Engine browned out when staffing falls below 15 (1 of 4) Implemented 3/1/2009  
         
Long Beach, CA Staff 2 Engines with only one crew by moving from one station in the daytime to another during nighttime Rescinded 10/1/2009 Long Beach Press Telegram
  Brownout 1 Engine equivalent (of 22) - see above Rescinded    
  Staff 1 Engine and 1 Ladder in the same station with one crew Rescinded    
  Reduce FD budget $3.2 million (4.4%) Proposed    
         
Los Angeles, CA Cancel July recruit class Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Cancel November recruit class Proposed 11/1/2009  
  Brownout 10 Engines (of 49 Light Force Engines) per day rotated among 30 Implemented / Suspended 8/6/2009 / 08/31/2009 KABC
  Brownout 5 Ladders (of 49) per day rotated among 15 Implemented / Suspended 8/6/2009 / 08/31/2009 Los Angeles Times
  Brownout 6 BLS Ambulances (of 27 BLS) per day Implemented / Suspended 8/6/2009 / 08/31/2009 United Firefighters
Los Angeles
City Local 112
  Close 3 BLS Ambulances (of 27 BLS) *  (Part time units) Implemented / Suspended 8/6/2009 / 08/31/2009 Daily News
  Close 3 EMS Supervisors (of 15)* Implemented / Suspended 8/6/2009 / 08/31/2009 McClatchy
- Tribune News Service
  Close 1 Battalion Chief (of 16) Implemented / Suspended 8/6/2009 / 08/31/2009  
  Reduce FD budget by $59.5 million Implemented / Suspended 8/6/2009 / 08/31/2009 City News Service
  Eliminate 87 shift overtime positions Implemented / Suspended 8/6/2009 / 08/31/2009 Fire Geezer
         
  * Note - Year long 24/7 closure of units are not 'Brownouts' by definition     John Gregory, EMT Bravo West
  Brownout 8 additional units Proposed    
  Reduce shift staffing by 125 of 1,104 Proposed    
  Eliminate salary increases and bonus incentives Proposed    
  No layoffs or furloughs of sworn personnel Implemented    
  No stations closed Implemented    
  Task Forces 4 and 95 will never go unstaffed Implemented    
  All 89 Paramedic Rescue Ambulances remain staffed Implemented    
  Air Operations not affected Implemented    
  No more than 2 strike teams will be allowed to be deployed for mutual aid Implemented    
  Only 50 recruits this year, which will not cover the anticipated attrition of 120 per year through 2010      
  Higher “collision” rates [LAFD term for resources responding into another district to cover the unavailable first-due resource(s)]      
  Longer response times      
  Decreased pre-deployment capabilities / move-up coverage      
  Increased workload      
  In-service training and multi-company drill time will be significantly impacted due to resource/coverage reductions      
         
Los Angeles County, CA Freeze hiring for non essential positions Implemented   The Signal
  Freeze promotions Implemented    
         
Madera County, CA Close 2 (of 19) stations Proposed 9/24/2009 Sierra Star
  Option 1:  Eliminate one training Captain, one fire Captain and two fire Apparatus Engineers at the Cal Fire Amador stations at Ahwahnee and Raymond during the non-fire season. Proposed    
  Option 2:  Eliminate one Battalion Chief and close one of the following fire stations: Bonadelle Station 19, Madera Acres Station 3, Madera Station 1 or Oakhurst Station 12 Proposed    
  Option 3:  Eliminate one training Captain or a Battalion Chief and close one of the fire stations on a rotating basis. Proposed    
         
Modesto, CA Close 1 (of 2) Ladders   10/7/2009 Modesto Bee
  Brownout 1 (of 11) Engines for 100 days per year      
  Eliminate FD responses to non life threatening EMS 911 calls      
         
Monterey, CA Furlough of 32 hours Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Defer pay raises for 22 months Implemented    
         
Monterey Park, CA Submit a 5% reduction scenario resulting in one Engine Brownout Proposed    
         
Norco, CA Layoff 6 firefighters Rescinded 6/22/2009 Press Enterprise
         
Oakland, CA Not hiring recruit class (11) Implemented   San Francisco Chronicle
         
Orange County, CA Pay concessions Implemented    
  Rolling company brownouts Implemented    
  Eliminate reserve firefghter program Proposed    
         
Palm Springs, CA Reduce Ladder company staffing from 3 to 2, combine staff with Medic Squad Implemented    
  Rescind one SAFER grant position Implemented    
         
Palo Alto, CA Delay pay raise for one year Proposed   San Jose Mercury News
         
Pasadena, CA FY08/09 Submit a 5% reduction Proposed    
  FY08/09 Brownout one station for the balance of the year Proposed    
  FY08/09 Fire Department budget cut 1% Implemented    
  Eliminate promoted Paramedic positions ($60,000) Proposed    
  FY08/09 1.25% pay reduction for the balance of the FY.  Fire Chief also Implemented    
  FY09/10 Submit a 5% and 10% reduction  (Pasadena Fire's budget is $40 million, so 5% is $2 million and 10% is $4 million) Proposed    
  Eliminating all "value added" programs (programs carried out by field members) Proposed    
  Rotating Brownout for the 5%; browning out a second station to make the 10% Proposed    
         
Paso Robles, CA Freeze hiring Implemented    
  Not fill 1 vacant Battalion Chief and 4 Firefighter positions Implemented    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 8 to 7 Implemented    
  FY09/10 Suspend pay increase Proposed    
  FY10/11 Suspend pay increase Proposed    
         
Poway, CA Implement 3% employee contribution to California Public Employees Retirement System Proposed 7/1/2009  
         
Presidio, CA Close one Ladder (1 of 1) Implemented    
  Close one ALS ambulance (1 of 1) Implemented    
  Reduce staffing to 26 (from 42) Implemented    
  Delay arbitration Implemented    
         
Redding, CA Layoff 3 firefighter positions Implemented    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 24 to 23 Implemented    
  Eliminate 1 Plans Checker and 1 Fire Prevention Specialist from Fire Prevention Bureau  Proposed    
  Eliminate Paid-on-Call / Seasonal program Proposed    
  Eliminate river rescue boat Proposed    
         
Redondo Beach, CA Hiring freeze on all positions Implemented    
         
Sacramento, CA FY09/10 Reduce FD budget 4% Implemented   McClatchy-Tribune News Service
  Rotating brownouts of one Engine daily (1 of 23) at nine stations that have an Engine and a Ladder  (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures) Implemented 7/1/2008  
  Rotating brownouts of two Engines daily (2 of 23) Implemented 3/1/2009  
  Rotating brownouts of three Engines daily (3 of 23) Proposed 7/1/2009  
  FY09/10 Reduce staffing for 17 (of 23) engine companies to 3     Sacramento Bee
  Contract concession - Freeze salaries for 2 1/2 years Implemented 7/4/2009  
  Not fill 15 attrition vacancies Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Layoff 68 firefighters Rescinded 7/4/2009 KCRA .com
  Contract concession - 5% salary Rejected 6/24/2009 News10 / KXTV
  Close 1 Engine (of 23) Proposed 7/4/2009  
  Close 3 Ladders (of 9) Proposed 7/4/2009  
         
Metro Sacramento, CA Contract concession  - pay raises Implemented 5/29/2009 Sacramento Bee
  Close 3 Engines and Stations (of 43) Implemented 6/15/2009  
  Layoff 24 non sworn Administrative and Support staff members from clerical, fire prevention, finance, facilities, logistics, radio shop and public education divisions Implemented 8/19/2009  
  Retirement incentive Implemented    
  Not filling open positions created by retirement Implemented    
  Reassign 3 EMS Captains, 3 Training Captains, 1 Safety Captain, and 1 Special operations captain to emergency response Implemented    
  Demoted 18 Captains and 20 Engineers Implemented    
  13 staff "redirected," or demoted to lower paying positions Implemented    
  Reduce budget $4.1 million Implemented    
  Reduce budget $11 million Proposed    
         
San Bernardino, CA Reduce unit staffing from 4 to 3 Implemented   ThePressEnterprise
         
San Francisco, CA Rotating station brownouts Proposed   The Examiner
San Francisco, CA Reduce budget $23.7 million Proposed 6/11/2009 Bay City News Service
  Layoff 173 firefighter positions Proposed    
  Close 12 stations (of 42) Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget $6 million Proposed 7/6/2009 San Francisco Chronicle
  Close 1 Station and Engine (of 44) Implemented    
         
San Gabriel, CA Increase the Utility User Tax Implemented 11/00/2008  
         
San Jose, CA Eliminate 1 Engine (of 35) Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Brownout 1 Engine (of 35) Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Convert 1 USAR company (of 3) to a Ladder Company               Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Reduce airport station minimum staffing from 6 to 4              Proposed 1/1/2010  
  Eliminate positions, 1 Deputy Chief , 1 Battalion Chief (Communications), 1 Arson Investigator, 1 Admninistrative Secretary Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce 50 Support Paramedics (of 147) Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Consolidate Office of Emergency Services to FD Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Close 2 stations (of 35) Rescinded 7/1/2009  
         
San Miguel, CA Freeze hiring and promotions (4 vacancies) Implemented 7/1/2008  
  Contract concession retirement benefit Implemented    
  Close one engine company (1 of 8) Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Reduce FD budget 8% Proposed    
  Close one additional engine company (1 of 8) with layoffs Proposed    
  Tax increase Proposed    
         
Santa Monica, CA FY08/09 Submit a 3% reduction or revenue increase scenario Implemented    
  FY09/10 Submit a 5% reduction or revenue increase scenario Proposed    
  Fire Department proposes to return unused CIP funds to accomplish the 3% and 5% reduction scenario requests. Proposed    
Hiring freeze for all non-safety employees with the exception on a case by case basis with specific approval from the City Manager. Implemented    
       
Santa Rosa, CA Brownout 2 Engines and Stations (of 11) Implemented 7/7/2009  
       
South San Francisco, CA Reduce minimum shift staffing from 20 to 19 Implemented 1/1/2009  
Not filling vacant Deputy Chief position Implemented 1/1/2009  
Reduce FD budget 3% Implemented 1/1/2009  
Operate Quint apparatus with 2 staff Implemented 1/1/2009  
Reduce FD budget 5% by reducing workweek hours for contract staff Implemented 7/1/2009  
       
Torrance, CA FY09/10 Reduce budget 2% and 4% Proposed    
       
Vallejo, CA Close two stations (2 of 8) Implemented 03/01/2008 Times Herald
  Close one additional station  (1 of 6) Implemented 07/01/2009  
  Reopen 1  station with Ladder Company Implemented 07/01/2009  
  Reduce minimum shift staffing to 18 Implemented 07/01/2009  
  Brownout one additional station (1 of 5) Proposed    
       
Vernon, CA FY09/10 No COLA increase Proposed    
       
West Covina, CA FY08/09 Reduce budget 5% Implemented    
Eliminated four positions (three sworn, one civilian Management Analyst) Implemented    
Reduce Fire Inspector to part time Implemented    
Reduce shift staffing to 25.  Reduce Ladder staffing to 3 Implemented    
Freeze for all non-essential positions Implemented    
Reduce budget additional 5% Implemented    
FY09/10  Reduce budget additional 5% Proposed    
Layoff six firefighter paramedics Proposed    
Close one Ambulance  (1 of 2) Proposed    
       
Colorado Springs, CO Reduce FD budget $3.2 million Proposed 10/1/2009 KRDO.com
  Layoff 35 firefighters Proposed 10/9/2009  
  Eliminate vacant promoted positions and associated operating costs $1,017,337 Proposed    
  In 2009, the Fire Department cut five firefighter positions in addition to the fourteen that were cut previously to meet the initial 2009 budget. As a result, the hazardous materials unit was taken out of service as a full-time staffed unit, reducing, by four, the number of personnel needed to staff emergency units daily. The hazardous materials team is now assigned to staff both an engine and the hazardous materials unit. Due to the staffing change, and because there have been no expansions of paramedic service in recent years, there are more positions in the promoted ranks than are currently needed. If these positions are eliminated, the present minimum dailyin the promoted ranks than are currently needed. If these positions are eliminated, the present minimum daily staffing can be maintained with a small, offsetting increase in overtime funds that can be covered within the existing budget.      
  Reduce minimum staffing overtime $200,000 Proposed    
  With the cross-staffing of the hazardous materials unit and reassignments made by the Fire Department to reduce costs, the need for overtime for minimum daily staffing has been reduced. However, this is partially offset by the loss of salary savings from eliminating the vacant line positions proposed above. As a result, $200,000 is the maximum reduction in overtime that can be taken without taking additional units out of service.      
  Eliminate Squad 108 and the associated six firefighter positions and reduce overtime for minimum staffing $511,865 Proposed    
  Eliminating Squad 108 will affect first-due coverage primarily in PEZ 5 and to a lesser degree in PEZ 4. Eight-minute coverage, the percentage of calls to which the Fire Department’s first unit arrives within eight minutes of when the call is received, would drop from 90% to 88% in PEZ 5 and from 93% to between 90% and 91% in PEZ 4. City-wide eight-minute coverage would decline approximately 0.8% to 89.7%. Structure fire coverage, the percentage of calls to which three engines and a ladder truck arrive within twelve minutes, would decline due to the work shifted to engine and truck companies. PEZ 6 would see the largest decline in structure fire coverage, from 88% to a little above 87%. More dramatic than changes in coverage will be the increases in workload on nearby companies.      
  The largest workload impacts would be on Engine 8 and Truck 8, which would see annual responses increase from 5,500 and 1,922 to 6,283 and 2,330 respectively. This would mean that Engine 8 would run to more than 17 calls per day on average, responding to a new emergency call approximately every hour and twenty-three minutes. Engine 1 and Truck 1 would also see major increases in responses from 4,583 and 1,649 to 5,141 and 1,916 respectively.      
  Cross-staff heavy rescue with a truck company, eliminating twelve firefighter positions, associated operating, and overtime for minimum staffing $936,731 Proposed    
  This would be accomplished by removing Heavy Rescue as a full-time unit and cross-staffing it with a ladder truck; one crew would cover two units. While this change would not have a major impact on first company coverage, the effect on structure fire coverage is significant. Structure fire coverage would decline by more than 5 percentage points in PEZs 7 and 9, and PEZs 3 and 4 are affected to a lesser degree. City-wide structure fire coverage would decline more than 2% to 89.4%. Workload impacts would be felt throughout the system. The companies most impacted will have to cease or curtail inspecting high-risk occupancies, such as multi-family residential properties, where local fire history shows the largest loss of life has occurred.      
  Eliminate Squad 7 and the associated 6 firefighter positions and reduce overtime $572,067 Proposed    
  Coverage impacts assume that Squad 108 is eliminated and that Heavy Rescue is cross-staffed. The effect on first response of eliminating Squad 7 would be felt primarily in PEZ 8, where eight-minute coverage would drop from above 91% to about 88.5%. Engine 7’s workload would more than double, from 2,413 estimated responses before any budget reductions to 5,510 responses: an increase of 3,097 responses. The effect on structure fire coverage is primarily in PEZ 9, where it will drop by a full percentage point due to the increase in workload on firefighting units.      
         
Denver, CO Reduce full responses by 1 Ladder (from 2) Proposed    
  FY09/10 Defer 1% Post-Employment Health Plan Contribution Proposed    
  FY09/10 Defer 2009 Uniform Maintenance ($450 per member). Proposed    
  FY09/10 Defer 8 hour birthday pay Proposed    
  FY09/10 Deposit additional 52 hours annual sick leave Proposed    
  FY10/11 Defer 1% Post-Employment Health Plan Contribution Proposed    
  FY10/11 Defer 2009 Uniform Maintenance ($450 per member). Proposed    
  FY10/11 Defer 8 hour birthday pay Proposed    
  FY10/11 Deposit additional 52 hours annual sick leave Proposed    
  Maintain unit staffing at 4 and maintain all support services Proposed    
  Delay June recruit class Proposed    
  Ambulance dispatch proposal Proposed    
  Fund Sundgren lawsuit Proposed    
  Maintain budget transparency Proposed    
  No additional concessions to be sought Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget $9 million Unconfirmed Proposals 08/2009  
  Close 4 companies Unconfirmed Proposals    
  Eliminate 7 chief positions Unconfirmed Proposals    
  Layoff 66 firefighter positions Unconfirmed Proposals    
         
Pagosa, CO FY08/09 Reduce adopted Fire Department budget 2.65% Implemented    
         
Sheridan, CO Furloughs Proposed   CBS4Denver.com
  Pay cuts Proposed    
  Disband FD & outsource Proposed    
         
Bridgeport, CT Close 1 Engine (of 9) Proposed    
         
Bristol, CT Non emergency apparatus movement curtailed (inspections (surveys), driver training, food runs, or public events) Implemented    
  All purchasing suspended Implemented    
         
Hartford, CT Layoff four non uniform support staff Implemented 08/01/2008  
         
Meriden, CT Close one Station & Engine  (1 of 5) Rescinded 5/4/2009 Meriden Record Journal03/03/2009
  Eliminate 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Firefighters, by attrition, save $260,000 salary and $360,000 overtime Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Concession - 38 hours pay to keep station open Implemented 5/5/2009  
         
New Haven, CT Billing for emergency responses Proposed    
         
New London, CT Reduce shift staffing by 1 (of 18) Implemented 8/13/2009 WFSB .com
  Brownout 1 Ladder (of 2) Implemented    
         
Stamford, CT Reduce budgets of volunteer fire companies Implemented   The Hour
  New Hope FC of Glenbrook - career staffed engine Implemented 7/1/2007  
  Springdale FC - career staffed engine Implemented    
  Turn of the River FC - two career staffed engines, closed one volunteerstation Implemented    
         
Thompsonville, CT Lay off 5 (of 18) firefighters Rescinded 10/6/2009 Hartford Courant
         
West Hartford, CT Close one station (1 of 5) Postponed    
         
West Stafford, CT Funding reduced to 2007 Levels Implemented    
         
New Castle County, DE Layoff 9 paramedic trainees Implemented 04/?/2009  
         
Wilmington, DE Layoff 8 firefighters (of 173) Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Contract concessions - no salary and step increases for one year Rejected 6/17/2009 News Journal
  Brownout one company (of 9) Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce salaries 5% Rejected    
  Brownout 1 Engine (of 6) Implemented 8/8/2009  
         
District of Columbia Close stations and units Proposed   9 News
  Brownout stations and units Proposed    
  Not fill 120 vacant positions Proposed    
  Eliminate 80 positions Proposed    
  Eliminate overtime Proposed    
         
Bellair Bluffs, FL Terminate Fire Chief Implemented 8/6/2009 St Petersburg Times
  Disband FD and contract to Largo FD Proposed 9/1/2009  
         
Bonita Springs, FL Early retirement for 13 officers, firefighters, and staff Implemented    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing by 3 Implemented    
  Reduce overtime 90% Implemented    
  Reassign to inspectors to suppression Implemented    
  Eliminate some administrative staff positions Implemented    
  Downgrade 1 HR staff position Implemented    
  Replace 1 Engine (4 staff) with 1 Light Rescue (2 staff) Implemented    
  Reduce FD budget 30% Implemented 2008 & 2009  
  Reduce FD budget 10% Proposed 2010  
         
Cape Coral, FL Contract concession - freeze pay Implemented    
         
Dunedin, FL Eliminate benefits Proposed    
         
Englewood, FL Reduce FD budget 10% Proposed 8/11/2009 Sarasota Herald Tribune
         
Estero, FL Not filling 5 vacant administrative positions Implemented    
         
Fort Myers, FL Layoff 32 (of 126) firefighters Proposed 9/1/2009  
  Not fill 4 vacant firefighter positions Implemented    
  Close 1 (of 6) stations Proposed    
         
Fort Myers Beach, FL Layoff 6 (of 52) firefighters Proposed 9/8/2009  
  Reduce FD budget $1.4 million Proposed    
  Close 1 (of 2) stations Proposed    
         
Osceola Co FL Close 1 (of 14) stations Rescinded    
         
Saint Petersburg, FL Layoff 5 (of 379) firefighters Proposed 10/1/2009 Tampa Bay .com
  Not fill 12 vacant firefighter positions Implemented    
         
Golden Gate, FL Seeking tax rate increase Proposed 5/12/2009  
  Close 1 or 2 stations (of 4) Rescinded    
  Layoff 20 firefighters Rescinded    
         
Hollywood, FL Not filling 22 vacant positions Implemented    
  Browning out Ladder companies (3) Implemented    
  Reducing staffing on Engines Implemented    
  No overtime Implemented    
         
Jacksonville, FL Close 3 Stations (of 58) Proposed 8/18/2009 FirefighterHourly .com
  Reduce Engine staffing from 4 to 3 Proposed    
  Reduce Administrative staff Proposed    
  Reduce salaries and operating costs 3% Proposed    
         
Lehigh Acres, FL Close stations (1 of 5) Implemented   Breeze News papers
  Lay off 9 firefighters (of 130) + 2 administrative staff, ultimately 30 firefighters, more next year Implemented 6/2/2009  
  Lay off 12 firefighters (of 121) Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Lay off 9 firefighters (of 109) Implemented 8/1/2009  
  Reduce budget 12-40% Implemented    
  Close two ambulances (of 5) Implemented   WBBH - TV
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 15 to 12 Implemented    
  Eliminate FD ambulance service Proposed    
  Eliminate all admininistrative positions other than the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Administrative Assistant, Financial Specialist and Secretary.  Eliminate Maintenance Division, Public Information Officer, EMS Division Chief and Logistics Chief.   10/1/2009  
  Change work schedules to four 10 hour days      
  Reduce minimum suppression unit staff from 3 to 2 Implemented    
  Taxable property value down 46.9%      
  Suspend non essential spending Implemented    
  Reschedule public training courses, ie CPR, CERT, First Aid to eliminate overtime Implemented    
  Install motion sensitive light switches to reduce electrical consumption Implemented    
  Reduce number of exterior lights Implemented    
  Restructure investigations call out response Implemented    
  Not filling vacant positions Implemented    
  Layoff 35 firefighters (of 107) and 4 administrative staff Implemented 8/18/2009 Firefighter Hourly .com
  Close 1 Engine1, 1 Tanker, 1 Ladder and Station Implemented   News Press .com
  Additional 20% budget cut forecast Proposed    
         
Miami, FL Consolidate with County FD Proposed    
         
Miami Dade, FL Eliminate Venom Response Team Proposed 7/21/2009  
         
Orange County, FL Consolidate City of Orlando and Orange County Fire Departments Proposed 6/22/2009 Orlano Sentinel
         
Orlando, FL Layoff 46 firefighter positions Postponed 10/2/2009 wftv .com
  No overtime Proposed 6/18/2009 USA Today
  Reduce Fire Department budget by 12% Proposed    
  Close one station (1 of 17) Proposed    
  Layoff 46 firefighters, 1 administrative, 25 unfilled vacancies Proposed 5/13/2009  
  Close 8 of 8 rescues, 1 ladder (of 5) Proposed    
  Brownout companies when shift staffing insufficient Proposed    
  Contract concession $685,000 in supplemental pay Implemented    
         
Palm Beach County, FL Eliminate firefighter paramedics at Palm Beach International Airport Proposed   Palm Beach Post .com
  Privatize fire protection at Palm Beach International Airport Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget $17 million or raise taxes 14% in order not to reduce staffing Proposed 7/27/2009 Sun Sentinel.com
         
Pasco County, FL Staff career station with volunteers Implemented    
  Not fill 20 vacant positions Implemented    
  Layoff 68 firefighter positions Proposed 6/13/2009 Pasco Tribune
  Reduce minimum unit staffing from 3 to 2 at 16 of 21 stations Proposed 6/13/2009 St Petersburg Times
         
         
Port Orange, FL Not filling nine vacant positions for new station and four vacant fire inspector positions  Implemented    
  Minimum company staffing reduced from 4 to 3 Rescinded 05//2009  
  Not filling four vacant fire inspector positions  Rescinded 05//2009  
         
St Petersburg, FL Reduce minimum shift staffing from 80 to 72.  Minimum staffing on engines is 3, ladders is 2 Proposed 6/13/2009 St Petersburg Times
         
Winter Springs, FL Merger with County Fire Department Proposed    
         
Atlanta, GA Close Station & Engine   (1 of 36) Implemented 7/14/2008  
  Close Station & Engine  (1 of 35) Implemented 12/25/2008  
  Close one Ladder  (1 of 14) Implemented 12/25/2008  
  No overtime to fill shift vacancies Implemented    
  Brownouts (as many as 7 stations per shift, 6 of 34 stations, 5 of 34 Engines, 2 of 13 Ladders) during shift staffing shortages.  (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures) Implemented    
  Eliminate 120 authorized positions Implemented    
  Reduce unit staffing from 4 to 3 Implemented    
  Lay off 27 fire recruits prior to graduation from recruit school and 12 civilian support employees Implemented    
  Implement a hiring freeze Implemented    
  Re-implement mandatory relief days Implemented    
  Furlough all employees at the rate of 10% of regular base hours in addition to the relief days.  Equal to a 10% reduction in force every day and a 10% pay cut.  Also results in staffing levels of 3 and 3 and no relief factor.   Any unscheduled leave (sick Implemented / Rescinded 8/18/2009 Firefighter Hourly .com
  Support staff offices closed on Fridays Implemented    
  ISO grading reported to have indicated deficiencies requiring action to prevent lower rating (2 to 4) Implemented 6/4/2009 Atlanta Journal Constitution
  1 Engine placed back in service Rescinded 8/18/2009 Firefighter Hourly .com
         
Bartow County, GA Furlough Administrative Staff minimum 1 day per month for 11 months Implemented    
  Holiday pay for Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years only Implemented    
  Reduce travel & training Implemented    
  FY08/09 Reduce Fire Department budget 6% Implemented    
         
Byron, GA Freeze hiring Implemented    
  Not fill 2 SAFER Grant firefighter positions Implemented    
         
Canton, GA Layoff 1 Training Officer   11/?/2008  
         
East Point, GA Close two stations (2 of 4) Implemented 7/1/2008  
  Layoff 65 firefighters (65 of 110) Implemented 7/1/2008  
  Suspend paid holidays and benefits Implemented 7/1/2008  
         
Hall County, GA Eight hour furlough per month for Administrative staff, 24 hour furlough per quarter for line staff  Implemented 10/1/2008  
  Freeze hiring, capital expenditure, pay, non-scheduled overtime, travel. Implemented    
  Implement zero based budgeting Implemented    
  Not filling eighteen vacancies (5 in Training Division, Assistant Chief Operations) Implemented    
  Curtail special operations training (Dive Team, Haz Mat) Implemented    
         
St Mary's, GA Reduce minimum Quint (2) staffing from 3 to 2 Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Eliminate 6 firefighter positions Implemented 10/1/2008  
  Freeze hiring and promotion Implemented 10/1/2008  
  Reduce full time administrative staff to part time, shift duties to line officers Implemented 10/1/2008  
  Reduce apparatus maintenance and staff training to minimum levels Implemented 10/1/2008  
  Reduce FD budget t0 2006 equivalent Implemented 10/1/2008  
         
Upper Fords Creek, ID Combine Chief & Assistant Chief duties Implemented    
         
Worley, ID Close one station (1 of 6) Implemented    
         
Addison, IL Reduce minimum shift staffing from 17 to 16 Implemented 2009  
  Not fill 3 vacant positions Implemented 2009  
         
Broadview, IL Layoff 13 firefighters (of 39)   6/1/2006  
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 8 to 4      
  ISO rating changed from 2 to 5      
  Close 1 ladder (of 1) and 1 squad (of 1)      
         
DeKalb, IL Administrative Furlough Days (5) Implemented FY09  
  10% reduction in overtime Implemented FY09  
  Eliminate 1 Firefighter and 1 Assistant Chief position through attrition Implemented FY09  
  No capital purchases (vehicle/equipment replacement) Implemented FY09 & 10  
  Eliminate discretionary purchases Implemented FY09 & 10  
  Freeze administrative pay Pending FY10  
  Vacate positions through attrition Pending FY10  
  Layoff 3 firefighters (of 54) Pending FY10  
  Close one station Pending FY10  
  Unit staffing changes Pending FY10  
  Contract concession - freeze pay Pending FY10  
  Discontinue Hazardous Material and Technical Rescue Team programs Pending FY10  
  FY10 Reduce training funds Pending FY10  
         
Downers Grove, IL Layoff 5 firefighters Implemented    
  Combine staffing of Ladder and Squad (from 4 to 3) Implemented    
  Close 1 Paramedic Engine (of 3) and its station. Proposed 1/1/2010  
  Use two personnel from E1 to staff a new (4th) ambulance in neighboring FPD station. Proposed    
  Dropping minimum manning to 17 (from 19 two years ago). Proposed    
         
East Saint Louis, IL Layoff 5 firefighters and one part time position Rescinded 9/15/2009 Saint Louis Post Dispatch
  Eliminate one Assistant Chief position Proposed 9/22/2009 Belleville News Democrat
  Layoff 11 (of 58) firefighters Rescinded    
         
Joliet, IL Contract concession - 4% pay freeze until 2012 Proposed    
  Contract concession - Eliminate step raises until 2012 Proposed    
  Contract concession - Iinsurance copay Proposed    
  Eliminate overtime until 2012 Proposed    
  Layoff 16 to 60 firefighters based on concessions Proposed    
  Early retirement incentive eliminated 1 Chief of EMS, 1 Captain in charge of building inspections, and 1 Captain in charge of public education.  This eliminated the inspection and public education offices. Implemented    
  Reduce minimum unit staffing to 2 Implemented    
         
Oak Lawn, IL Eliminate 3 (of 86) firefighter positions Proposed 8/31/2009 CBS
  Eliminate 11 (of 83) firefighter positions Rejected    
  Reduce unit staffing from 4 to 3 Proposed    
  Contract concessions - holiday pay, salary increases, furloughs, in lieu of 11 (of 75) firefighter layoffs Approved 8/26/2009 SouthTownStar.com
         
Rockford, IL Reduce Engine Company staffing from 4 to 3 Proposed    
  Reduce shift staffing from 64 to 56 Proposed    
         
Springfield, IL Layoff 31 firefighter positions Proposed 7/10/2009 State Journal Register
  Furlough days (3 to 8) Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget $700,000 Proposed    
  Eliminate new fire class: $564,110 Proposed    
  Eliminate special teams training: $40,000 Proposed    
  Eliminate various support lines: $85,500 Proposed    
  Equipment deferral: $40,000 Proposed    
  Human resources expenses related to police and fire testing: $94,500 Proposed    
  Sangamon County Combined Dispatch System: $200,000 Proposed    
         
Sterling, IL Layoff 6 firefighter positions Implemented 9/2/2009 Sauk Valley News
  Rehire 6 firefighters Proposed    
  Close 1 Station (of 2) Implemented 9/1/2009  
  Reopen 1 station Proposed    
  Contract concession - postpone 3% raise until 04/30/2011 Proposed 9/9/2009 Daily Gazette
  Reduce apparatus maintenance Implemented    
  Higher health insurance premiums      
  5 hours work without pay per 2 week pay period Proposed 05/01/2010  
         
Wheeling, IL Layoff Fire Marshal Implemented    
  Eliminate 6 Firefighter positions through attrition Implemented    
  Return 2 SAFER Grants for 3 Firefighters each Implemented    
         
183rd ANG FD, IL Mission extended from 10/01/2008 to 10/01/2010 Implemented    
         
Fort Wayne, IN Combine 3 Engine and Ladder stations (3 of 5) staffed with 7 firefighters into quints staffed with 6 firefighters Proposed    
  Minimum staffing on engines and ladders reduced to 3 from 4 Implemented    
         
Gary, IN Layoff 70 firefighters Proposed    
  Brownout companies Implemented    
         
Hammond, IN Layoff 9 Firefighter positions Proposed   NWI .com
  Eliminate overtime Proposed    
         
Kokomo, IN Close two ambulances, shift responsibility to local hospitals Implemented 5/6/2009  
  Layoff 21 firefighters (of 121) Implemented 1/1/2008 Kokomo Tribune Enterprise
  Layoff 12 firefighters (of 100) Implemented    
  Eliminate FD ambulance service Implemented    
  Concession - salary raises for 2009 and 2010 Proposed 7/1/2009 Patrick Munsey
         
LaPorte, IN Not filling 2 vacant firefighter positions Implemented    
  FY08/09 Reduce fire department budget 13% Implemented    
  FY09/10 Lay off six firefighters Proposed    
         
Logansport, IN Layoff 10 firefighters (of 52) by 01/01/2010 Proposed 6/23/2009 Pharos Tribune .com
  Close 1 or 2 stations Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget 5% Implemented    
  Retirement incentive      
         
Muncie, IN Closed 1 station (of 7) Implemented 6/15/2009 Starpress .com
  Closed 1 station (of 6) Implemented 6/21/2009 MuncieGannett .com
  FD EMS response to high priority calls only Implemented 6/21/2009  
  Layoff 32 firefighters (of 104) (35%) Implemented 6/21/2009  
  Contract concessions - specialty pay, insurance deductables Proposed    
  Consolidate with Center Township FD Proposed    
         
Perry Township, IN Consolidated into Indianapolis FD Implemented 8/1/2009 TheIndyChannel.com
         
South Bend, IN Layoff 35 firefighter and 10 paramedic positions Proposed 10/1/2009 WSJV Fox28 .com
  Freeze hiring Implemented    
  Eliminate 1 (of 4) Assistant Chief positions Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget 29.4% Proposed    
  Station brownouts Proposed    
  Close 5 units Proposed    
         
Des Moines, IA Eliminate overtime for minimum staffing Implemented 8/19/2009 Omaha World Herald
  Brownout companies Implemented    
         
Merriam, Kansas Reduce minimum shift staffing from 6 to 5 Implemented 05/2009  
  Reduce minimum Ladder staffing to 2 Implemented 05/2009  
  Not fill vacant Fire Marshal position Implemented 05/2009  
  Defer 2 proposed firefighter positions from 2009 budget to 2010 budget Implemented 05/2009  
         
Frankfort, KY Not fill 11 vacant positions Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce FD budget 6% Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Eliminate longevity and COLA raises Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce minimum unit staffing to 2 Implemented 7/1/2009  
         
Denham Springs, LA Lay off the Secretary to the Fire Chief and Training / Safety Officer Implemented 2/28/2009  
         
Auburn, ME Eliminate Fire Prevention office Implemented 5/1/2008  
  Close one rescue Proposed    
  Reduce minimum staffing Implemented    
         
Falmouth, ME Close one station and engine (of 4) to staff an ambulance 24/7. Cover area by mutual aid Proposed 6/1/2009  
         
Gray, ME No pay raises Proposed    
  Eliminate minimum shift staffing from 7 to 5 and 1 at night.  Minimum staffing down is 2 per Engine and Ladder.  Proposed    
  Utilize call personnel for staffing. Proposed    
         
Portland, ME Eliminate 14 positions (of 243) by retirement incentive Implemented 7/1/2008 wcsh6 .com
  Close 1 Rescue Squad (of 1) (12 positions) Implemented 7/1/2008  
  Eliminate EMS Shift Supervisor position (4 positions, 2 to administrative staff) Implemented 7/1/2008  
  Layoff 9 firefighter positions (of 239) Implemented 7/5/2009  
  Not filling 4 vacant positions Implemented 7/5/2009  
  Reduce minimum Engine staffing from 4 to 3 Implemented 7/5/2009  
  Contract concession - eliminate 2.5% pay raise Rejected 7/1/2009  
  Eliminate Service Truck (1 position) Implemented 7/5/2009  
  Reduce Electrical Division (1 position Implemented 7/5/2009  
         
Sanford, ME Eliminate vacant full time Fire Prevention Officer  position Implemented 2/23/2009  
  No overtime hiring Implemented    
  Reduce budget by $86,000 Proposed    
         
South Portland, ME Reduce minimum staffing from 13 to 12 from 0800-1800. Implemented 4/1/2009  
  Postpone hiring 2 vacant positions until next fiscal year (2 others to be filled) Implemented    
  Minimize engine company responses to EMS calls to a minimum Implemented    
         
Anne Arundel County, MD Career firefighters eliminated from one station (1 of 31) - since rescinded Rescinded    
  Reassign staff to to provide fire apparatus staffing a some stations and ambulance staffing at other stations. Implemented    
         
Baltimore, MD Reduce staffing on Fireboat from 5 to 4 Implemented 4/1/2009 Baltimore Sun, WJZ
  Close one engine (of 36) to organize one new medic unit Rescinded 7/1/2009  
  Close one ladder (of 19) to organize one new medic unit Implemented 7/8/2009  
  Redeploy one ladder to keep station open Rescinded 7/1/2009  
  Not fill vacant positions Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Distribute 10 year smoke detectors Implemented    
  Reduce non emergency responses by public education Implemented    
  Brownout up to 6 companies per shift (4 Engines, 3 Ladders) Implemented / Rescinded 07/01/2009  
  Brownout up to 4 companies per shift (3 Engines, 1 Ladder) Implemented 08/01/2009  
  Eliminate overtime Implemented 8/11/2009  
  Furlough days (5 to 8) (equates to 3%) Proposed 8/29/2009  
  Reduce FD budget $2.9 million Proposed    
         
Baltimore, MD Layoff 1 Assistant Chief position Implemented 9/23/2009  
         
Cumberland, MD Revert to volunteer FD Proposed 9/18/2009 Cumberland Times News
  5 unpaid hours per 80 hour pay period Proposed    
         
Montgomery County, MD Bill for emergency ambulance service Proposed 6/26/2009 WUSA9.com
         
Prince Georges County, MD Furlough shifts - 80 hours per employee Implemented   STATter911.com
  Rotating station brownouts, up to 4 (of 44) at one time or 7 in one day, filling by volunteers where available Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Layoff 48 positions (of 849) Proposed    
  Not filling 3 vacant Battalion Chief positions Implemented    
  Expenditure controls on equipment, maintenance, & supplies Implemented    
  Reduce overtime spending by 75% Implemented    
  Reduce staffing at two stations from 6 to 2 for staffing paramedic ambulance only Implemented 6/17/2009  
  Eliminate all career staff from 2 stations on day shift Implemented    
  Eliminate all career staff from 2 stations on night shift Implemented    
  Rotating station brownouts due to lack of career staffing Implemented    
  Brownout fireboat station Implemented    
         
  Eliminate career staffing in selected stations Implemented 7/26/2009  
  Eliminate 1 Engine to staff new ALS unit Implemented    
  Concentrate career staff in fewer stations so that those stations can operate more than one unit Implemented    
  Federal judge rules furloughs unconstitutional and refund of lost wages.  County warns of 'massive' layoffs   8/18/2009 WUSA- TV
         
Ocean City, MD Reduce 1 ALS unit (of 6) from full time to part time Implemented    
         
Massachusetts More Than 100 Laid-Off Boston Firefighters Getting Jobs Back Proposed 10/7/2009 Boston Channel.com
  Some Laid-Off Firefighters Getting Jobs Back      
  More than 100 Bay State firefighters who were laid off during budget cuts will get their jobs back, Governor Deval Patrick said Wednesday.  Patrick said he would release $8.1 million in federal stimulus funds to 13 municipal fire departments to rehire a total of 127 firefighters.      
  “These stimulus funds come at a critical time, and promise to bring immediate relief to these 13 fire departments and enhance local public safety," Patrick said.      
  The $8.1 million will be used to rehire firefighters in Bridgewater, Easton, Fall River, Hull, Lakeville, Lawrence, Methuen, Monson, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Quincy, Walpole and Worcester.      
  Fall River will be able to hire back 44 laid-off firefighters.  "With the use of federal stimulus funds, every single one of those Fall River firefighters has a job again," Patrick said.  "When I came to work and it was raining out and looked lousy outside, and all of you were coming here, maybe getting wet, I said to myself, 'It is not a rainy day today. Today is a bright, sunny day for Fall River,'" said Fall River Fire Chief Paul Ford.      
  "It took a long time to get the job -- a lot of effort, a lot of training. I was on the job for a little over two years, and to just lose it was very devastating for me and my family. But today is a very good day and I am happy," said Fall River firefighter Coury Garside.      
  With the funds, New Bedford will be able to hire back 33 firefighters and Worcester can hire back 16.      
  The Patrick administration earmarked $20 million in federal stimulus funding to help cities and towns rehire as many laid-off firefighters as possible, prevent further layoffs and address staffing reductions caused by attrition. More funding awards are expected to be announced.  Eighty-seven fire departments from across the state submitted applications to be considered for the funds.      
         
Amesbury, MA Eliminate four firefighter positions (1 retirement, 3 layoff) (4 of 32) Implemented 12/30/2008  
  Reduce shift staffing from 8 to 7 Implemented    
         
Andover, MA Reduce staffing on Ladder from 2 to 1 Implemented 7/1/2009 Eagle Tribune
         
Boston, MA Eliminate 2 Districts (of 11) (Officers reassigned) Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Positions reduced by attrition since 2000:  11 District Chiefs, 9 Captains, 8 Lieutenants, 200 Firefighters Implemented 6/30/2009  
  Rotating brownouts of 3 Engines (of 34) and 1 Ladder (of 22) based on absences Implemented & Rescinded 8/11/2009  
  Voluntary staffing of stations closed by brownouts Implemented & Rescinded 8/19/2009 Omaha World Herald
         
Bridgewater, MA Layoff 8 firefighters (of 29) Implemented    
         
Brockton, MA Not filling 27 vacant firefighter positions Implemented    
  Layoff 20 firefighter positions Implemented    
  Close one Engine (1 of 5) and one Ladder (1 of 3) Proposed    
         
Cambridge, MA Not filling 12 vacant positions Implemented    
  No overtime to maintain minimum shift staffing Implemented    
         
Danvers, MA Reduce minimumshift staffing from 10 to 8 Implemented 5/1/2009  
         
Easton, MA Layoff firefighters Implemented    
         
Dudley, MA All municipal employees notified of potential layoff (Fire Department has 6 of 34 municipal employees) Proposed    
         
Fall River, MA Layoff 45 firefighters (of 232) Implemented 3/13/2009  
  Close two Engines  (2 of 8) Implemented    
  Reduce staffing of Rescue Squad to one.  Cross staff with Engine Implemented    
  Eliminate Chiefs Aides Implemented    
  Reduce shift staffing to 28  (from 36)  Implemented    
  Not fill 12 vacant positions due to retirements Implemented    
  Reduce salaries 8% Rejected 7/17/2009 Herald News
  Close 1 Ladder (of 3) Implemented 7/19/2009  
  Present staffing at 154 (from 232)      
         
Fitchburg, MA Layoff 5 firefighters (of 67)  (35 positions (of 97) eliminated since 2004) Proposed 7/1/2009 Telegram Gazette
  Eliminate 2 Deputy Chief positions Implemented    
  Demote 7 officers Proposed    
  Not filling 5 vacant positions Proposed    
  Contract concession 3% pay general, + 15% by demotions Proposed    
         
Gardner, MA Layoff 3 firefighters Rescinded 08/2009  
  Reduce shift staffing to 5  (2 in BC Car, 2 on Engine, 1 on Ladder) Implemented    
         
Gloucester, MA No overtime to maintain minimum shift staffing Implemented    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 18 to 13 Implemented    
         
Haverhill, MA Not filling vacant positions Implemented   Eagle Tribune
  Reduce number of Deputy Chief positions (from 5) Proposed    
  Higher deductables and premiums for health insurance Proposed    
  Close 1 engine (of 4) Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 19 to 16 Proposed    
  Demote 7 Captains and Lieutenants Proposed    
         
Hull, MA Layoff firefighters Implemented    
         
Lakeville, MA Layoff firefighters Implemented    
         
Lawrence, MA Brownout 1 engine (of 4) every day Implemented 4/1/2009 Eagle Tribune
  Layoff 10 firefighter positions (of 136) Implemented 8/14/2009  
  Not fill 19 firefighter vacancies Implemented    
  Close 2 Engines (of 5) Implemented 8/14/2009 FirefighterHourly .com
  Close 2 Stations (of 6) Implemented 8/14/2009 Eagle Tribune
  Contract concessions: delay raises and reduce longevity pay 50% Proposed    
  Furloughs - 12 days Rejected    
  Reduce salaries 10% Proposed    
  Discontinue emergency medical responses Implemented 9/8/2009  
         
Lowell, MA Rolling brownouts Implemented    
         
Lynn, MA Close 1 station (of 7) Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Close 1 engine (of 6) Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Close 1 ladder (of 3) Proposed 7/1/2009  
         
Methuen, MA Combine 1 crew of 3 for engine and ladder.  Crew responds with either unit based on nature of call. Implemented    
  Rolling brownouts Implemented    
  Layoff firefighters Implemented    
         
Millville, MA Consolidate FD with bordering town Proposed 9/3/2009 Milford Daily News
         
Monson, MA Layoff firefighters Implemented    
         
New Bedford, MA Layoff 35 firefighters Implemented 3/1/2009 South Coast Today
  Not filling 16 vacant positions Implemented    
  Close one Engine  (1 of  7) Implemented 3/8/2009  
  Rotating company brownouts (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures) Implemented 3/8/2009  
  Close one Engine  (1 of  6) Implemented 4/26/2009  
  Layoff 5 firefighter positions Proposed 8/21/2009 s-t .com
  Close 1 Company (of 8) Proposed    
         
North Attleboro, MA Layoff 6 firefighters Implemented    
  Not filling 1 retirement vacancy Implemented    
  Cross staff one engine and rescue Implemented    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing to 11 Implemented    
  Reduce "unnecessary" driving Implemented    
         
Quincy, MA Layoff firefighters Implemented    
         
Revere, MA Layoff 7 firefighter positions Rescinded 7/1/2009  
  Contract concession - give up 3 uniform allowances Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Not fill 8 vacant positions Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Rotating brownouts of 1 Engine (of 4) or 1 Ladder (of 2) daily Implemented 3/1/2009  
  No overtime for minimum shift staffing unless 2 companies will be brouwned out Implemented 3/1/2009 `
         
Salem, MA Not fill 1 vacant Deputy Chief position Implemented 9/18/2009 Eagle Tribune
         
Walpole, MA Not fill one vacant position Implemented    
  Layoff 3 firefighters Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 8 to 7 Proposed    
  Close one station Proposed    
         
Worcester, MA Eliminate 25 positions (of 406) (five vacancies and 20 layoffs, which is primarily the firefighter recruit class) Implemented 7/1/2009 Worcester Telegram
         
Yarmouth, MA Close 1 station (of 3) Reopened 6/30/2009 Cape Cod Times
  Contract concession - 2010 annual pay raise      
         
Ann Arbor, MI Eliminate 14 firefighter positions Proposed    
         
Bay City, MI Layoff 6 firefighters Vetoed by Mayor 6/19/2009 Bay City Times
  Close 1 Station (of 4) Vetoed by Mayor    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 15 to 13      
         
Clinton Township, MI Eliminate 4 firefighter and 3 administrative positions by attrition Proposed    
  Eliminate discretionary and capital spending Proposed    
         
Columbia Township, MI Close FD on Sundays Proposed 7/1/2009 Jackson Citizen Patriot
  Contract concession - 10% employee contribution towards benefits Proposed    
         
Detroit, MI Closed 5 Engines, 4 Ladders, 1 Battalion Chief Implemented 7/1/2005  
  Brownout stations and units  (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures) Implemented    
         
Flint, MI Layoff 22 firefighters Implemented 6/18/2009 WJRT-TV
  Replace two engines with squads (2 of 6) Implemented   USA Today
  Combine Police Chief and Fire Chief as Publlic Safety Director Implemented 5/21/2009  
         
Harper Woods, MI Cross train police in firefighting Implemented    
         
Holland, MI Eliminate 1 training/safety officer-implemented and 1 community services Lieutenant Implemented    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing by one Proposed    
  Combine Fire Chief and Police Chief as Public Safety Chief Proposed    
  Move EMS service to Public Safety Dept Proposed    
         
Leoni Township, MI Consolidate FD into Public Safety Dept Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Cross train police in firefighting Implemented    
         
Monroe, MI Eliminate 10 firefighter positions (of 41) Implemented 2008  
  Eliminate 9 firefighter positions (of 31) Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Shift EMS to regional ambulance service Proposed    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 8 to 7 Proposed    
         
Pfizer Chemical, MI Eliminate staffed FD and establish on call industrial fire brigade Proposed 12/31/2009  
  Absorb firefighters into other company positions Proposed 12/31/2009  
         
Pontiac, MI Cancel vacation leaves Implemented 1/1/2009  
         
Roseville, MI Not fill 3 vacant positions Implemented 7/1/2009  
         
Saint Joseph, MI Layoff Fire Chief Implemented   WNDU-TV
         
Sterling Heights, MI Eliminate 1 Fire Inspector position Proposed    
         
Warren, MI Layoff 32 firefighters (of 178) Implemented 2005  
  Eliminate 27 positions by attrition (of 146) Implemented 2009  
         
Minneapolis, MN Not fill 24 vacant positions (from attrition) Implemented 12/7/2009 KSTP-TV
  Layoff 27 (of 450) firefighters Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget $2.6 million Proposed    
         
Roseville, MN Reduce shift staffing from 5 to 4 from 2200 to 1000 daily Implemented    
         
Gulfport, MS Eliminate 8 vacant positions - 1 District Chief, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Engineer, 5 Firefighters Implemented 06/192009  
  Reduce FD budget by $1.2 million Proposed    
  Layoffs Proposed    
         
Crestwood, MO Reduce shift staffing to 7 Proposed 12/31/2009  
  Eliminate 3 positions by attrition Proposed 12/31/2009  
         
Kansas City, MO Consolidate 3rd service EMS into FD   2010  
         
Springfield, MO Reduce budget Proposed   OzarksFirst .com
  Notfill 23 vacant positions  (may fill 6 in July) Implemented    
  No overtime to maintain shift staffing Proposed    
  Brownout 2 (of 12) stations per day Implemented 7/1/2009 KSPR News
  Brownout 1 (of 12) stations per day and 1 fire unit Implemented 9/7/2009  
         
Lincoln, NE Reduce minimum unit staffing from 4 to 3 Implemented 8/19/2009 Omaha World Herald
         
Omaha, NE Repeal minimum staffing (from 4 to allow 3) and deployment ordinance (number of engines, ladders, medics, and administrative staff Passed 8/19/2009 Omaha World Herald
  Reduce FD budget $1.6 million Proposed 2010  
  Postpone recruit class Proposed    
  Defer apparatus purchases Proposed    
  Freeze salaries for 2 years Proposed    
         
Clark County, NV Freeze hiring for vacant positions Proposed 5/28/2009 Las Vegas Sun
  Rotating company brownouts Proposed 6/28/2009 Mercury News .com
         
Reno, NV Not filling 12 vacant firefighter positions due to retirement Implemented   RGJ.com
  Reduce staffing at four stations from 4 to 2 firefighters on duty on a rotating basis Proposed 6/1/2009  
  Brownout of two units Implemented 1/1/2009  
         
Concord, NH Close 1 Engine (of 4) Implemented 6/27/2009  
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 22 to 19 Implemented 6/27/2009  
  Eliminate overtime for minimum staffing Implemented 7/1/2009  
         
North Hampton,  NH Reduce shift staffing from 5 to 4 Implemented    
         
New Jersey Statewide Delay NJ civil service exam to February 2010 or possibly January 2011. Implemented 2/1/2010  
         
NJ State Division of Fire Safety Eliminate the Office of Fire Department Preparedness and Arson units Proposed 2009  
         
NJ State Division of Forestry Furloughs Proposed    
         
Bayonne, NJ Reorganize structure of the Fire Department to one fire chief, up to three deputy chiefs, no more than five battalion chiefs, up to 11 captains, 29 lieutenants and up to 140 firefighters in lieu of layoffs Proposed 4/29/2009 Jersey Journal 3/20/2009
  Reduce 31 Captains positions (31 of 42) to newly reinstated rank of Lieutenant. Proposed    
  Reduce budget by $2 million  (from $15.5 million). Proposed    
  Issue 45 day layoff notices issued to city employees, including police and fire officials Implemented 7/1/2009 Hudson Reporter
  City requesting union concessions of deferred pay raises, reduced health care benefits and furloughs Proposed    
         
Camden, NJ Combine Engines and Ladders to run together as Task Forces with four firefighters (3 of 3 Engines & Ladders) Implemented   Inquirer
  Reduce staffing on Task Forces (3) to minimum 1 officer & 3 firefighters.  Reduce staffing on other Engines (4) to minimum 1 officer & 1 firefighter.  Reduce staffing on Rescue Squad to 1 officer & 3 firefighters.  Do not staff accountability officer.   Implemented    
  No overtime hiring for personnel on leave.  Acting officers Implemented    
  Minimum staffing and no acting officer contract clauses not being honored Implemented    
         
Cheesequake, NJ Lay off one firefighter (ft) and one fire inspector (pt) Implemented    
         
Clifton, NJ Layoff 12 firefighters, 1 administrator Implemented 3/6/2009  
  Demote two Lieutenants Implemented 3/6/2009  
  Not filling 4 vacant positions Implemented 3/6/2009  
  Close Station & Engine   (1 of 6) Implemented 3/7/2009  
  Contract concession 84 hours of pay, layoffs rescinded, demotions reversed, Station & Engine re-opened Rescinded 5/10/2009 Clifton Journal
         
Edison, NJ Layoff 6 firefighter positions Implemented 7/25/2009 Star Ledger
  Rehire 4 firefighters Approved   Firefighter Hourly
         
Maplewood, NJ Reduce minimum shift staffing from 10 to 8 Implemented   Maplewood. Localsource.com
  Layoff 3 firefighters (of 41) Rescinded 3/23/2009 Star Ledger
  Contract concession - no pay increase, health insurance co-pay Proposed    
         
North Hudson, NJ Brownout 1 engine (of 12) daily when staffing falls below 60  (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures) Implemented    
  FD sued for delayed response      
         
Perth Amboy, NJ Layoff 20 (of 20) FD emergency medical technicians Implemented 9/1/2009 MyCentralJersey .com
  Shift city EMS service to Raritan Bay Medical Center Proposed    
         
Teaneck, NJ Layoff 11 firefighters (of 100) Proposed 6/4/2009 North Jersey.com
  Demote 6 Deputy Chiefs to Captain, 5 Captains to Lieutenant, 6 Lieutenants to Firefighter Proposed Effective 6/25/2009  
  Change one position from full time to part time Proposed    
         
Trenton, NJ Reduce minimum staffing from 48 to 45 Proposed    
  Eliminate training officer position Proposed    
  Reduce minimum engine staffing from 4 to 3 Implemented    
  Reductions since 2002 - 2 Deputy Chief, 1 Battalion Chief, 13 Captains, 1 Director, 52 Firefighter positions, two Engines, one Ladder Implemented    
         
Willingboro, NJ Delay settling contract since 2007 Continuing   Burlington County Times
         
Mesilla, NM Eliminated six part time positions Implemented    
  Eliminated uniform budget Implemented    
  Eliminated take home vehicles for Marshals Implemented    
  Freeze new vacancies Implemented    
  Reduce Fire Chief salary 20% Implemented 1/4/2009  
  Reduce hourly employees to 32 hours per week Implemented    
  Defer building new station Implemented    
  Recruit volunteers in place of part timers Implemented    
  Attrition rate up Implemented    
         
Batavia, NY Investigate changing from career to combination career/volunteer staffing Proposed 5/27/2009 Batavia News
  Eliminate Fire Chief's car and stipend Proposed    
  Discontinue FD ambulance - shift to private provider Proposed 9/1/2009  
  Layoff 24 paramedics Proposed    
         
Binghamton, NY Contract concession - no pay raise Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget 10% Proposed    
  Consolidation with Johnson City Proposed    
  Eliminate 10 firefighter positions Proposed 8/18/2009 FirefighterHourly .com
Binghamton, NY Layoff 10 (of 135) firefighters Proposed 9/10/2009 WBNG News
  Close1 (of 6) stations Proposed    
         
Fairview, NY Disband FD Proposed    
         
Johnson City, NY Layoff 6 firefighters (of 39) Proposed 5/31/2009  
  Close 1 station (of 2) Proposed    
  Merger with Endicott FD Proposed    
         
New York City, NY Close 6 Engines (of 210) Implemented 5/25/2003  
  Close 3 Engines (of 204 (197 Engine, 7 Squad) ) and 1 Ladder (of 143) presently being under daily brownout. Rescinded 1/17/2009 NY1
  Close 16 companies Rescinded 7/1/2009  
  Eliminate 30 ambulance shifts Rescinded 7/1/2009  
  Close 5 companies Proposed 1/1/2010  
  Eliminate 27 Fire Marshal and 5 Supervisor positions by attrition Proposed    
  Reduce minimum staffing from 5 to 4 on 64 engines Rescinded    
  Implement 9-1-1 call takers for fire calls Implemented 5/4/2009  
  Close 12 units from multiple unit stations Rescinded    
  Cap administrative overtime Rescinded    
         
Plattsburg, NY Reduce department staffing from 40 to 36  Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Eliminate positions: 1 Assistant Chief, 1 day Captain, 1 day Lieutenant, 1 Administrative Secretary Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 8 to 6 Implemented 7/1/2009  
  No staffing for Ladder (of 1) Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce staffing on 1 Engine to 2 Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Stop sending new recruits to either the NYS fire academy or other City academy, and opt to train in house with a private contractor Implemented 7/1/2009  
         
Rochester, NY Convert two Midi Quint companies (of 9) to Ladder companies, net staffing reduction of 4 Implemented 7/1/2008  
  Reduce FD budget 10% Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Convert 3 Midi Quint companies (of 7) to 2 Engine and 1 Ladder companies, net staffing reduction of 6 Proposed 7/1/2009  
  Convert 2 Midi Quint companies (of 4) to 2 Ladder companies, net staffing reduction of 4 Proposed 7/1/2010  
  Convert 2 Midi Quint companies (of 2) to 2 Engine and 1 Ladder companies, net staffing reduction of 6 Proposed 7/1/2011  
         
Saratoga Springs, NY Layoff 14 Firefighter positions cut Including 2 recruits Proposed 5/28/2009 IAFF
  Reduce FD budget $1.3 million Proposed    
Saratoga Springs, NY Brownout 1 station (of 2)  (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures) Proposed    
         
Yonkers, NY Close 1 Ladder (of 6) Proposed 12/01/2008 LoHud .com
         
Ramseur, NC Eliminate 2 firefighter positions Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Return fire department from combination to volunteer   7/1/2009  
         
Akron, OH Layoff 38 (of 386) firefighters Proposed 10/1/2009 Akron Beacon Journal
         
Ashland, OH Cut FD budget and reduce staff Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Eliminate emergency call back for manpower for empty station Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Not filling 3 vacant firefighter and 1 Fire Inspector positions Implemented 7/1/2009  
         
Canton, OH Layoff 15 probationary firefighters Implemented 8/18/2009 FirefighterHourly .com
  Close 2 Stations (of 9) Implemented 8/14/2009 News Net 5
  Combine crews for fire and EMS units Implemented 8/13/2009 Canton Rep
         
Cincinnati, OH Layoff 105 firefighters (of 786) Proposed   WLWT .com
  Close 2 BLS ambulances (of 8) Proposed    
  Close 9 engines (of 26) Rejected    
  Brownout 6 ladders (of 12)  (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures) Rejected    
  Furloughs - 6 days Rejected 7/1/2009  
  Close 4 companies Rejected 7/24/2009  
  Reduce staffing from 4 to 3 on 8 companies and close 2 companies Rejected 7/24/2009  
  Brownout 4 Ladders (of 12) through December 2009 Implemented 8/6/2009 FirefighterHourly .com
  Reduce salaries and benefits by 14% Proposed 8/6/2009  
         
Cleveland, OH Brownout Fireboat Station Implemented 9/10/2009  
         
Columbus, OH Eliminate ALS level EMS service Proposed   Columbus Dispatch
  Eliminate 238 positions (of 1511) (19%) Proposed 6/4/2009 TV 10
  Not filling 51 vacant positions Proposed Election 8/4/2009  
  Contract concession - defer pay raises Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget by $18.9 million Proposed    
  Eliminate community-outreach, education and training programs Proposed    
  Close 7 stations (of 32) Proposed 6/18/2009 USA Today
         
Dayton, OH Demote all District Chiefs (10) Proposed 7/1/2009  
         
East Liverpool, OH Not filling 2 vacant positions (of 14) Proposed 6/3/2009  
  Convert FD to volunteer Proposed    
         
Elyria, OH Layoff 11 firefighters (of 67) Implemented   newsnet5.com
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 14 to number reporting at 0800.  No minimum staffing Implemented   wkyc.com
  Demote 9 officers Implemented    
  Brownout 3 stations (of 4) based on number of staff reporting at 0800. Implemented    
  Contract concessions - overtime, clothing allowance, hazard pay Rejected by Council    
  Budget reductions Pending    
  Layoff 8 firefighter positions (of 56) Implemented 10/4/2009 Chronicle Telegram
  Reduce FD budget $1.2 million Implemented    
  Demote 8 officers Implemented    
  Close 1 (of 4) stations Implemented    
  Layoff 8 firefighter (of 48) and 1 mechanic positions Proposed    
         
Findlay, OH Layoff 17 firefighters (of 50) Proposed 8/20/2009 WTOL
  Close 1  station (of 4) Proposed    
         
Fostoria, OH Layoff two firefighter positions (2 of 21) Implemented    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 9 to 6 Implemented    
  Combine Fire Chief & Fire Marshal positions Implemented    
         
Franklin, OH Reduce overtime Implemented 11//2008  
  Reduce FD budget Implemented    
  Not filling one dispatcher vacancy Implemented    
         
Garfield Heights,OH Layoff 35 municipal employees Pending    
         
Grand River, OH Reduce budget 47% Implemented    
  Reduce paid staffing and pay rates Implemented    
         
Greenfield, OH Layoff 3 firefighters (of 7 ) Implemented 3/2/2009  
  Layoff 4 firefighters (of 4)  Revert to all volunteer department Implemented 8/28/2009 Times Gazette
         
Hamilton, OH Layoffs 3 firefighters Proposed   Journal News
  Contract concession - 3% pay raise Proposed   onntv .com
         
Lakemore, OH Merge FD with Springfield FD Proposed 6/11/2009  
         
Lakewood, OH Reduce shift staffing from 24 to 20 Implemented 4/1/2008  
  Close 1 Engine (1 of 3), three Medics (3 of 3)  and 1 Shift Commander and Aide (1 of 1) Implemented 4/1/2008  
         
Mansfield, OH Eliminate 6 firefighter positions Proposed   Mansfield News Journal .com
  Layoff 29 firefighters Implemented 4/10/2009  
  Layoff 4 firefighters (of 98) Implemented    
  Layoff 20 firefighters (of 94) by 07/13/2009 Rescinded 7/13/2009  
  Close 1 station, possibly 2 (of 5) Implemented 7/13/2009  
  Close 1 engine (of 5) and 1 medic (of 3) Implemented 7/13/2009  
  Demote 8 Captains Proposed    
         
Massillon, OH Bill for EMS transport   8/31/2009 The Independent
         
North Olmstead, OH Laid off 5 positions Implemented 1/1/2009  
  Reduce shift staffing to 9 Implemented 1/1/2009  
  FY09/10 Reduce budget 5% Proposed    
         
Parma, OH Chief and Assistant Chief have 1 day each without pay every 2 weeks until end of 2009. Implemented    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 25 to 21 Proposed    
  2 stations to be staffed with one crew of 3 for engine and ALS unit based on nature of call. Proposed    
  Reduce FD budget 5.6% Proposed    
         
Shaker Heights, OH Lay off 4 firefighters Implemented 3/30/2009  
  Not fill two positions caused by retirement Implemented 6/19/2009  
  Reduce workweek hours and pay of all non-bargaining unit employees by 10%, including Fire Chief, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 1 Fire Inspector and 2 Secretaries. They will have one furlough day off without pay every two weeks until the end of the year. Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Fire Chief fired for refusing to cut services Implemented   FirefighterHourly .com
         
Steubenville, OH Layoff 3 (of 41) firefighters   10/01/2009 WTOV 9 .com
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 11 to 10      
         
Sylvania Twp, OH Not filling three firefighter vacancies Implemented    
  Laid off five positions Implemented 2007  
  Township requesting concession of minimum staffing clause in contract Proposed    
         
Tallmadge, OH Retiring Fire Chief position will be replaced with shift supervisors Proposed    
         
Toledo, OH Close one Ladder company (of 5) Proposed   The Independent Collegian
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 103 to 99 Proposed    
  Layoff 41 firefighters (of 567) Proposed    
  Fee for services Rejected   Toledo Blade
         
Twinsburg, OH Layoff 25 part time firefighters Proposed   Fox 8 WJW-TV
         
Warren, OH Layoff 11 firefighters Implemented 01//2009 Tribute Chronicle
  Close 1 Engine (of 3) Implemented 1/1/2009  
  Layoff 18 firefighter positions Rescinded 7/3/2009  
  Freeze pay for one year Implemented 1/1/2009  
  Demote 3 officers Implemented 1/1/2009  
  Eliminate 9 positions by attrition Implemented 1/1/2009  
  Not filling 4 vacant firefighter positions Implemented 1/1/2009  
         
  Contract concession - 10% pay & benefit cut (2.5 percent reduction in pay, elimination of the city’s paying the 6 percent of the pension costs, $400 annual uniform allowance, $500 annual attendance bonus, longevity pay and changes in health-care coverage) Implemented 7/3/2009  
  Marc Titus, president of Firefighters Local 204, said the concessions result in the 58 firefighters giving the city 29% of the money needed to offset its $1.6 million shortfall, even though the firefighters make just 23% of the wages in the city’s general      
         
Xenia, OH Layoff 6 firefighters Proposed    
         
Oklahoma City, OK Reduce unit staffing from 4 to 3 Implemented 8/19/2009 Omaha World Herald
         
Tulsa, OK Furloughs - 8 days Proposed 8/18/2009 NewsOn6.com
  Contract concession - 3% of benefits and rearrange vacations Proposed   Firefighter Hourly .com
         
Hood River, OR Eliminate 1 Fire Marshal position by layoff Implemented 7/1/2009 Hood River News
  Replace overtime with compensatory time Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Contract concessions:  5% COLA, holiday pay (in lieu of layoffs) Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Multiple operational line item deductions. Implemented 7/1/2009  
         
Braeview, PA FD closed by Township Implemented 9/15/2009 Valley News Dispatch, Tribune Review
         
Central City, PA New taxes Proposed    
         
Duncannon, PA 1 Engine and 1 Towerladder out of service - no funds for repairs Implemented 3/1/2009 21 News
Leithsville, PA Hire other municipal empoyees as firefighters Proposed 9/19/2009 The Morning Call
         
New Castle, PA Eliminate 24 firefighter positions and revert to volunteers Proposed    
         
Philadelphia, PA Close five Engines  (5 of 61) Implemented 1/5/2009  
  Close two Ladders  (2 of 28) Implemented 1/5/2009  
  Reduce FD budget by $8 million Proposed   Inquirer
  Eliminate 2 Captain, 7 Lieutenant, 22 Battalion Chief Aide positions Proposed 8/18/2009 FirefighterHourly.com
  Layoff 36 Officer, 120 Firefighter positions, 40 Paramedic positions Proposed 10/2/2009  
  Close 6 Engines (of 56) Proposed FY2010 KYW - TV
  Close 3 Ladders (of 26) Proposed FY2010  
  Close 5 Medic units (of 50) Proposed FY2010  
  Reduce FD budget $16.7 million Proposed FY2010  
         
Reading, PA Layoff 24 (of 142) firefighters Proposed 10/1/2009 WFMZ .com
  Leave vacant 11 firefighter positions Implemented 9/4/2009 Reading Eagle
  Reduce shift staffing from 22 to 21 Proposed    
  Close 1 (of 3 ) ambulances Proposed    
         
Scranton, PA Change from 4 shift to 3 shift schedule Implemented 4/1/2009  
  Close 2 Engines (2 of 7) Proposed    
         
Uniontown, PA Layoff seven firefighters (7 of 13) Rescinded 3/13/2009  
  Furloughs Implemented    
  Layoff four firefighters (4 of 12) Implemented    
  Reduce shift staffing from 6 to 2 Implemented    
         
Wellsboro, PA Loss of tax funding - $5,000 to $10,000. Implemented    
         
Central Falls, RI Layoff 4 firefighters Rehired    
         
Cranston, RI Not filling 16 vacant positions Implemented    
  Layoff 4 Deputy Chief, 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants Proposed    
  Reduce minimum shift staffing Proposed    
         
Providence, RI Brownout engines and ladders to staff additional medic units Proposed    
         
N Providence, RI Contract concession - 1.5% pay cut and increase health insurance co-pay Proposed 7/1/2009 ProvidenceJournal
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 22 to 17 Proposed    
  Close one station (of 4) Proposed    
         
Pawtucket, RI Layoffs and furloughs Proposed   WPRI
         
Providence, RI Private investigator for injury and sick leave Implemented   WPRI
         
Tiverton, RI FY09/10 Reduce budget 15% Proposed 7/1/2009 newport daily news
         
Warwick, RI Contract concessions - pay reduction, increased health insurance co-pay, no raises Proposed   WPRI
         
Woonsocket, RI Layoff 11 firefighters (of 134) Implemented 3/9/2009 Woonsocket Call
  Not filling 7 vacant positions Implemented    
  Limit firefighters from working more than 48 hours in a row without a break Implemented 3/9/2009 Providence  Journal
  Elimination response of an Engine to EMS incidents  Implemented 3/9/2009 wpri.com
  Close 1 engine (of 5) Implemented 3/9/2009  
  Restrict outside employment Implemented 04//2009 EMS News
  Contract concessions -  5% pay, 15% health insurance co-pay Proposed    
         
Columbia, SC Close 2 Engines (of 31) Implemented   Columbia Firefighters Assoc
  Operate 2 Ladders (of 4) as quints with staff of 5 Implemented    
  Contract concessions - 3.75% pay cut, 5.5% lost benefits through unpaid furloughs, benefit reductions, and changing of retirement benefits, reduce holiday pay 50% Proposed 6/19/2009 The State
  3-5% salary shift into increased health insurance premiums Implemented    
  6.69% reduction in guaranteed retention pay Implemented    
  2.5% cost of living loss Implemented    
  2% merit/ step raise loss Implemented    
  Furloughs - 2% salary equivalent Implemented    
  50% federal holiday benefit reduction - 4% salary equivalent Implemented    
  2.75% salary cut Rejected   ColumbiaStar .com
  20 year retirement insurance benefit increased to 25 years for new hires Implemented    
  Funding available for new station but none for apparatus and staffing      Implemented    
  Company officers perform building inspections - no pay increase Proposed    
  Zero fund 1 Assistant Chief, Chief of Special Operations, 3 Driver positions Implemented    
  Zero fund 1 Chief / Volunteer Coordinatorand 3 Battalion Safety Chief positions Proposed    
  Restore 1 disbanded Engine when staffing permits Implemented 8/18/2009 FirefighterHourly .com
  Eliminate 6 of 8 paid holidays Proposed 09/01/2009  
         
Greer, SC Three furlough days Proposed 6/23/2009 Firefighter Hourly
         
North Myrtle Beach, SC Reduce FD/PD training budget 39.7% Implemented 7/1/2009 SunNews .com
  Eliminate Training Captain positions Implemented 7/1/2009  
  Reduce minimum Engine staffing to 1 Implemented 7/1/2009  
  No staffing for Ladder (of 1) Implemented 7/1/2009  
         
Westview Fairforest, SC Layoff  1 Assistant Chief Proposed 2/27/2009  
  Close 2 Stations (of 3) Proposed    
         
Morristown, TN Freeze hiring 9 vacant positions (of 91) with 7 to follow from attrition Implemented    
  Reduce unit staffing from 4 to 3 Implemented    
         
Union City, TN Reduce FD budget 7% Implemented FY08/09  
  Close 1 station (of 3) Proposed    
  Reduce staffing by 4 (of 42) Proposed    
         
Austin, TX Reduce unit staffing, shift firefighters from support functions to suppression Implemented   AmericanStatesman
         
Euless, TX Unfill vacant Assistant Chief and Firefighter position Implemented    
  Freeze positions opened by early retirement package Implemented    
         
Garland, TX Reassign Fire Marshals to suppresssion Implemented 8/23/2009 FireFighter Hourly
  Furlough days (3) Implemented    
  Salary reduction 1.5% Implemented    
         
Rutland, VT Not fill three vacant firefighter positions Implemented    
  No overtime hiring for shift staffing Implemented    
         
Saint Albans, VT Eliminate 6 firefighter positions Rescinded   Fox 44 News
         
Newport News, VA Eliminate 5 non sworn positions Implemented 2009 Daily Press
  Brownout 4 (of 10) Engines Implemented    
         
Richmond, VA Brownout up to 5 Quints (of 20) Implemented    
  Reduce staffing of Rescue Squads from 5 to 4 Implemented    
  Close 1 Air Light unit (of 2) Implemented    
  Not fill 15 vacant positions Implemented    
  Reduce overtime staffing for vacancies, sick and other leaves Implemented    
         
Stafford County, VA Even as other Stafford County agencies saw significant budget cuts, the Stafford County, VA, (Metro Washington, DC), Board of Supervisors held the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department harmless from any FY10 budget cuts, maintaining 4 person suppress Implemented    
         
Aberdeen, WA Members voted to reverse 4% COLA Implemented    
  Administration taking furlough days, pay cuts Implemented    
  Eliminate Elementary Fire Prevention program- cut from budget Implemented    
  Two vacant positions - one possibly will be filled (33 on floor) Implemented    
  All outside training curtailed Implemented    
  Cut spending for supplies to minimum needed for emergency response operations. Implemented    
         
Bellevue, WA Brownouts of downtown Aid Car on weekends. Implemented    
  Close Downtown Aid Car  (1 of 7) Proposed    
  Brownouts (Brownout = Rotating shift by shift closures)of other units.  Bellevue Aid cars supplement engine staffing on fire calls due to 3 man staffing of engines. Proposed    
  Eliminate cross staffing of Engine by Aid Car Proposed    
         
Chehalis, WA Furlough of 8 hours per month Implemented 5/1/2009 The Chronicle
  Reduce minimum shift staffing from 3 to 2 Implemented 5/1/2009  
  Layoff 2 firefighter positions Proposed    
  Eliminate outside training Proposed 9/2/2009  
  Postpone apparatus replacement Proposed    
  8 unpaid hours per week Proposed    
  13 hour unpaid furlough Proposed 9/30/2009  
         
Hanford, WA Reduce staffing from 27 to 25 Implemented 7/1/2009  
         
Lacey 3, WA Eliminate 3 firefighter, 3 administrative positions Implemented 01/05/2009  
  Lay off 3 firefighters Implemented    
  Close one station  (1 of 6) Implemented    
  Reduce shift staffing to 13 Implemented    
N Whidbey 2, WA Close 4 volunteer stations  (4 of 9) Proposed    
         
Stevens County FPD 1, WA No overtime for coverage Implemented    
  Not filling vacant positions Implemented    
  Raise taxes Proposed 08//2009  
  Close 3 stations (of 8) Proposed    
         
Tukwilla, WA Reduce Ladder staffing from 4 to 3 Implemented    
         
Vancouver, WA Concession of 4% COLA Implemented    
         
Weston, WV Layoff 2 firefighter positions (of 4)     Charleston Daily Mail
         
Wheeling, WV Close one station (1 of 7) Proposed    
  Eliminate 3 positions Implemented    
         
Green Bay, WI FY08/09 Reduce Fire Department budget by $1.4 million Implemented    
  Not fill 15 vacant firefighter, one Battalion Chief positions Implemented    
  Reduce shift staffing from 47 to 43 Implemented    
  Close one Ladder Company (1 of 3) Implemented    
  No overtime coverage for one suppression Battalion Chief (1 of 2) Implemented    
         
Milwaukee, WI Close one Engine  (1 of 37) Implemented 12/27/2008  
  Reduce staffing on certain Ladders from 5 to 4 Implemented 12/27/2008  
  Close 2 (of 36) stations Proposed    
  Reduce minimum staffing on remianing Ladders from 5 to 4 Proposed    
         
Sheboygan, WI Take over EMS ambulance service from private provider Implemented    
  Close 1 station Proposed    
         
Flesherton, ON Consolidation of departments (2 to 1) Proposed 6/30/2009  
  Eliminate Fire Chief position Proposed    
         
Southwold Township, ON Defer new apparatus purchase Proposed    
         
 

The Consequences

Firefighters See Cuts Eroding Safety
  6/18/2009 USA Today
 

By Kevin Johnson

Thousands of firefighters across the country face possible layoffs this year, prompting concern that deep local government budget cuts will delay emergency response times.

Since late last year, cities have been forced to shutter local fire stations, reduce services at others and cut the number of firefighters dispatched on emergency calls. Firefighting positions have been eliminated or are on the chopping block in cities su

"Whatever you do that results in increasing response times (to fires), you are absolutely playing Russian roulette," says Harold Schaitberger, head of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).

Up to 5,000 firefighting jobs could be in jeopardy, according to an IAFF survey of members, which includes 292,000 firefighters.
 

Tucsonans will vote on increasing police, firefighter staffing
Tucson, AZ 7/9/2009 Arizona Daily Star
 

By Rob O'Dell

Tucsonans will get the chance to mandate increased city Police and Fire Department staffing levels this November. An initiative to set minimum requirements for public-safety officers was certified for the ballot Wednesday.

Dubbed the Public Safety First Initiative, the proposed City Charter amendment would require 2.4 police officers per 1,000 residents and mandate that Fire Department response times not exceed the 2004 standards set by the National Fire Protection Associat

The initiative was backed by the Tucson Association of Realtors, with strong support from the Tucson Police Officers Association and Tucson Firefighters Association. Colin Zimmerman, with the Realtors, and police union President Larry Lopez said they wer

City Clerk Roger Randolph said the initiative easily cleared the 9,532 signatures needed to get the on the ballot. The Realtors turned in more than 18,000 signatures, and Randolph said a random sample sent to the Pima County recorder for verification indi

Lopez said the police and fire unions have come together with businesses to try to solve the city's staffing and responses-times issues. He noted there are no new taxes associated with the initiative, and the money for it would come from the city's genera

City Council members and city staffers have declared the initiative would cost the city $50 million more per year to pay for the 350 additional police officers and firefighters required, and have questioned where the money will come from. County Administr

 

ResponseTimes Have Increased
Sacramento, CA Mc Clatchy-Tribune News Service
 

Response times in city neighborhoods where engines are already on the rotation have increased by 1 minute, 34 seconds on days when their engine is off-line, according to the city staff report.

Fire officials noted that the rolling brownouts have not led to a significant increase in injuries to firefighters or residents.

However, the report does highlight a handful of emergencies in which the brownouts played a role in fires growing. According to the report, two fires on Labor Day weekend last year spread into neighboring homes, and crews "felt that the delay in the 'fir On Aug. 29, a fire

on Redondo Avenue in the North Sacramento area gutted two homes. Doucette said the nearest engine was off-line and it took 6 minutes, 47 seconds for the first engine to arrive on the scene -- more than 2 minutes longer than department s

While it was "hard to say how much it mattered" that the closest engine was off-line, he said, it "hampered our ability to do a good job." "Any time we have a delayed response, it's going to make our job that much more difficult," he said.

 

3-man staffing stymies firefighters
San Bernardino 5/19/2009 Stacia Glenn
 

SAN BERNARDINO - Firefighters and a woman who nearly lost her son in a house fire last week say significant damage could have been prevented if the first crew had been allowed go inside immediately and douse the flames.

Recent budget cuts have reduced nine of the city's 12 fire stations to three-man crews, which means firefighters must wait for a second engine before they can set foot inside a burning structure.

Although the first engine pulled up to the burning North Cold Mountain Drive home at 9:23 a.m. Friday, dispatch tapes show a backup engine didn't arrive for another nine minutes.

Firefighters can be heard three times asking where the second engine is or saying that they are ready to enter the building but have to wait for backup. San Bernardino City Fire Chief Mike Conrad said backup actually arrived within six to seven minutes but, "in the excitement," firefighters forgot to hit a button telling dispatch they had arrived.

The next two engines on scene both responded from more than 5 miles away.

That response time is "not as good as we'd like, but we have to deal with what we've got," Conrad said Tuesday, adding that the first responders "did an absolute excellent job with three-person staffing."

Homeowner Danielle Aguilar said she is frustrated that firefighters stood by watching her house burn and is going to retain an attorney. "Nine minutes is a very long time. Had they gotten here and went in, they could have saved more of my house. It is 95 percent gone," Aguilar said. "I think that's the city's fault." She said she was shocked when firefighters readied their hoses but remained in front of her two-story house. Fire engineer Dave Jacobo, who was one of the first responders, said his crew had to wait "too long" for a second engine and the fire grew significantly in that time.

"I felt embarrassed. I felt ashamed that we had to sit and wait, that we couldn't do what we are paid to do," Jacobo said. Firefighters stood outside the open garage and aimed their hoses into the kitchen, where the fire started. Once backup crews were on scene, they went inside and quickly knocked down the blaze.

That night, fire union president Scott Moss gave the family of five a $250 Wal-Mart gift card on behalf of the firefighters.

He said repeatedly asking where backup crews are is "a rare instance but it (could) be more common now" because of the drop to three-man crews. Councilman Chas Kelley and Councilwoman Wendy McCammack, who have both said they support reinstating four-man crews, toured the Aguilars' house with City Attorney James F. Penman after the fire.

"The exact concerns I had occurred this morning (Friday)," Kelley said. "I believe it could have been prevented, the damage could have been limited. But this family is without now."

"We're playing roulette with public safety."

 

Consultant firm recommends eliminating 52 firefighter positions
West Palm Beach, FL 8/31/2009 Palm Beach Post
 

Consultant firm asserts that staffing is "overlapped" and that 34 positions could be cut "with no impact on safety".

Consultant firm states remaining staff should work 53 hour workweeks.

Berkshire principal Michael Walker said the FDis well run but that the study showed service overlaps that "increase protection hardly at all." His firm looked at the location of fire stations, engines, ladder trucks and fire rescue staffing and response t

Consultant firm states "The way the city handles what are called "Kelly days" - essentially comp time - also increases costs needlessly, the report said.

West Palm Beach firefighters tend to earn 32 hours off for every 28 days they work, because of the way their separate 24-hour shifts each week mesh with federal labor laws. Switching to a 53-hour week, or working 48 hours consecutively, could spare the need for 18 positions, Walker said. That kind of schedule can be attractive to some firefighters, because it allows them to take more consecutive days off, h