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As per the 1996 Roster Staffing Agreement, the Fire Commissioner can reduce the number of 5-man engine companies from 60 to 11 if annualized medical leave exceeds 7.5 percent. Current annualized medical leave is 7.4952%. If medical leave continues to trend upward we will be facing a staffing reduction in August.
This reduction will immediately reduce manning to 4-FF’s on all but eleven engine companies. These remaining eleven 5-man engine companies will also be reduced to 4—and then truck companies will be reduced to 4—as members become injured or sick after the start of the tour.
The FDNY's own studies conducted at the NYC Fire Academy have documented that manning reductions will create an adverse impact on the safety of Firefighters and the public, significantly increasing the time it takes to stretch lines and get water on the fire.
Also note that 4-man truck companies will need to modify existing search and rescue protocol (VES) at fires.
These manning reductions if enacted will compromise Firefighter and public safety.
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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