|
|
 |
 |
NEW YORK -- Beginning Thursday, there will be fewer firefighters working on New York City fire engines.
NewsChannel 4 has learned the New York Fire Department will reduce staffing from five firefighters to four on dozens of fire engines.
According to a union agreement, the city has the right to reduce staffing levels if more than 7.5 percent of firefighters are out on medical leave, which is currently the case.
The high leave rate makes it more expensive for the department to keep up staffing levels.
Fire Union President Steve Cassidy criticized the decision to reduce staffing.
"The fire commissioner is foolish to compromise public safety and the safety of firefighters by reducing critical manpower, especially during the winter, which always produces the most fires," Cassidy said.
The Fire Department said most engines already operate with just four firefighters, and this year, fire fatalities are at a 75-year low.
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
