Youngstown firefighters to protest plan to cut 8 positions

YOUNGSTOWN — Members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 312 along with area local firefighters and those from the state association will discuss concerns about the city’s plan to reduce the number of firefighters by eight at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday at Fire Station 1.

“We are there to express our concerns and dissatisfaction with the administration’s decision ‘to risk the safety of the citizens and firefighters of this community,’” according to a statement from Local 312.

Firefighters have objected before to Mayor John A. McNally’s plan to take a firetruck off the road and eliminate eight positions through retirements by the end of this year. It plays a major role in saving about $1 million annually, the mayor said.

“We’ll be out to show our displeasure with the closure of a fire truck,” said Dave Cook, the fire union’s president. “People want fire and police services and closing a truck is dangerous. It’s also not fair. Firefighters have given more than enough back to the city in the last 15 years, and they want to use us to close a large part of the city’s deficit.”

There are 138 firefighters.

Those at the event will then walk to the council meeting at city hall. It starts at 5:30 p.m. with a 4:45 p.m. finance committee meeting.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com