Pasadena-Star News

The city Tuesday ended a "brown out" in emergency fire services, reinstating a four-firefighter ladder truck that was temporarily taken out of action earlier this year to save money, officials announced.

Truck 32, based at Fire Station 32 and one of two truck companies staffed full-time, was taken out of service for the first part of fiscal year 2011, saving the city $725,000.

Pasadena Fire Department Chief Dennis J. Downs said city official and fire management discuss several cost-saving alternatives before deciding that eliminating Truck 32 temporarily "would be the least detrimental to the public and firefighters."

"Fortunately, there was minimal service impact to the community. We thank our residents, businesses and fire personnel for being so supportive and patient during this process," Downs said in a news release.

The Fire Department, however, continues to hold open two vacant management positions, for a savings of $200,000 for fiscal year 2011, the news release said.

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December 15, 2010