Firefighters’ Union Reacts To Proposed Cuts

by Contributor | August 10, 2016 3:21 pm

To The Editor:
On Aug. 8, Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow released the city of Oswego 2017 proposed operating budget. While the proposed city budget contains several small cuts to other departments, 16 Oswego Firefighters will be laid off as of January 1, 2017.

These cuts represent a 27% loss in available staffing on a daily basis, which will dramatically impair our ability to protect the public.

Operationally, this will mean significantly fewer firefighters available to perform all of the jobs required on an emergency scene.

Cuts this severe will make it impossible for us to continue to provide the same services you have come to expect from YOUR Fire Department.

The three firefighters who were involved in rescuing a local family from a burning house last Sunday morning will be among those losing their jobs.

Those positions will not be there to help the next family.

We implore the administration to examine how these cuts will impact public safety.

We ask concerned citizens to contact their council members and the mayor to give serious consideration to restoring these positions.

Oswego Firefighters’ Association

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/firefighters-union-reacts-to-proposed-cuts/

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