The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Philly Firefighters Run Radio Ads About Closures
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia firefighters are taking to the airwaves to express their anger about the mayor's closure of seven fire companies.
Radio advertisements have begun running that call Mayor Michael Nutter's decision "irresponsible."
Nutter announced at the end of last year that five engine and two ladder companies would be eliminated to save the city more than $10 million.
Nutter had asked city officials to cut spending to close a $1 billion deficit over the next five years. Then in January he said declining revenues will mean an additional $1 billion shortfall.
Firefighters union chief Brian McBride says, "The public's got to realize that their lives are put in jeopardy due to these cuts."
Nutter insists the cuts don't jeopardize safety.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Radio advertisements have begun running that call Mayor Michael Nutter's decision "irresponsible."
Nutter announced at the end of last year that five engine and two ladder companies would be eliminated to save the city more than $10 million.
Nutter had asked city officials to cut spending to close a $1 billion deficit over the next five years. Then in January he said declining revenues will mean an additional $1 billion shortfall.
Firefighters union chief Brian McBride says, "The public's got to realize that their lives are put in jeopardy due to these cuts."
Nutter insists the cuts don't jeopardize safety.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Oldman on
-
I've heard of stirring the pot, but I believe they are using a mix master.
Nutter insists the cuts don't jeopardize safety I guess His Honor has never heard of Charles Darwin.
-
Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on
-
Does that Mayor have a plan to cover fire/rescue for the closed stations' areas that would not jeopardize safety? Don't think there can be one. The citizens concerned should be asking this question or running ads of their own. God bless the FFs for taking action. TCSS
-
Permalink Reply by rfdjumper on
-
Don't let them fool you. People will die due to these cutback. The city just doesn't want to advertise this. I support local 22 in their fight against the two faced Mike Nutter.
-
Permalink Reply by Allen Howard on
-
Good for the Philadelphia firefighters. Let the voters realize their duly elected official can not come up with anything better than a seven company reduction in manning, facilities and equipt. If that doesn't SCREAM "jeopardize safety" to the citizens I don't know what would.
-
Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on
-
Reduction in stations, reductions in staffing, disbanded companies, closed stations, or brownouts all reduce coverage, and by definition, reduce public safety. On the other hand, it's difficult to spend money that you don't have. If Philly's budget is really that tight, they may not have a real choice in the matter, however unpalatable the choices may be.
Given adequate funding, there are very few city officials that would intentionally go to hot-button topics like station closures with the citizens that elect them. For a lot of cities, adequate funding was long gone even before city revenues went in the tank with the international economy. It puts everyone in a bad situation, and severely limits the options for the budget-setters.
-
Permalink Reply by Hawk on
-
They DO have a choice, our city has cut back dramatically by cutting jobs thru attrition, thru retirements and open positions. I'm willing to bet the station closest to Nutter's house is not closing, there are other city departments that are not "life essential" that can take heavier cuts, parks programs, libraries, etc-while all are needed, none are needed as much as a open station down from your house or your mom's house. Many cities have not planned ahead for a rainy day-who's fault is that? Now the citizens and firefighters are paying the price and may in the future pay the ultimate price with reduced staffing. Then, the city will throw as much money as necessary to pay the attorneys!
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
