Scoppetta Reduces Manpower Compromises Safety
Effective 0900 hours today, December 2nd, Commissioner Scoppetta decided to reduce staffing levels in 49 Engine companies from 5 firefighters to 4 firefighters. This was done in response to medical levels exceeding 7.5%, in accordance with the Von Essen Roster Staffing Agreement of 1996. The staffing memo from Chief of Operations Cassano also articulates procedures for companies responding with less than 4 firefighters. Understaffed fire apparatus have been shown to significantly increase danger levels to firefighters and the public we serve. The UFA response in the media was immediate today. President Steve Cassidy and Vice President Jim Slevin interviewed with the below media, fiercely criticizing the foolish and life threatening policies of Fire Commissioner Scoppetta.
| NY-1 Inside City Hall interview with Steve Cassidy 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM Tonight | WPIX-TV, News Channel 11 Reporter w/ Steve Cassidy - 5:00 PM |
| WCBS-TV, News Channel 2 Marcia Kramer w/ Steve Cassidy - 3:00 PM | WWOR-TV, News Channel 9 Bob O'Brien w/Steve Cassidy - 5:15 PM |
| WNBC-TV, News Channel 4 Melissa Russo w/ Steve Cassidy - 3:00 PM | New York Post Interview of Steve Cassidy & Jim Slevin by Frankie Edozien - City Hall Bureau |
| WABC-TV, News Channel 7 Jeff Pegues w/Jim Slevin - 2:30 PM Marcus Solis w/ Steve Cassidy | New York Newsday Interview of Steve Cassidy by Bill Murphy |
| WNYW-TV, News Channel 5 Angela Mcfony w/Steve Cassidy - 4:15 PM | New York Daily News Interview of Jim Slevin by Fernanda Santos |
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
