The FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association have filed suit against the City of New York to challenge the reduction of staffing on 60 engine companies from 6 personnel to 5. According to Mayor Bloomberg the cost cutting move is expected to save $30 million (either those guys make an awful lot of money or the mayor’s math is off…. I’m betting it’s the latter).
The staffing reduction means all 194 engine in FDNY will now be staffed with 5 members (an officer and 4 firefighters). Previously the 60 busiest engines were staffed with 6. Ladder companies will continue to be staffed with 6 (an officer and 5 firefighters).