L.A. plan would cut 18 fire companies, four ambulances

A proposal to cut 18 fire companies and four ambulances from the Los Angeles Fire Department is to be considered Wednesday by a City Council committee amid opposition from leaders of the firefighters union.

The proposed cuts are contained in the $6.9-billion budget unveiled last week by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

The cuts would save the city more than $53 million in the next fiscal year, and nearly $200 million over three years, according to Los Angeles Fire Chief Millage Peaks. They would also put an end to rotating staff reductions.

Every day, the Fire Department temporarily closes 22 fire companies and six ambulance teams in order to save money, Peaks said. The firefighters from the closed companies fill in for staff at other companies who are sick or on vacation, which cuts down on overtime.

The moves were instituted in 2009 after the department was dealt a $39-million budget reduction. They were meant as a "stop-gap," Peaks said, and not as a permanent solution.

He called the temporary closures "very disruptive." The department proposed the permanent closure of 18 fire companies and four ambulances at stations across the city in order to eliminate the temporary shutdowns and create "long-term structural change," according to a report sent to the mayor that details the redeployment of department resources.

Millage said the department determined which companies should go with the help of a computer program that measured which companies were most in demand. Under the proposal, no firefighters would be laid off, but firefighters from several threatened companies have protested the proposed closures.

At a news conference Tuesday at Fire Station 38 in Wilmington, City Councilwoman Janice Hahn said she would fight the proposed cuts. The station would lose a hook-and-ladder truck and a pumper truck under the proposed reductions.

On Wednesday afternoon, Hahn is to be joined by firefighters and leaders from United Firefighters of Los Angeles City at a news conference at City Hall, shortly before the council's Budget and Finance Committee takes up the mayor's budget.

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-- Kate Linthicum

Photo: Firefighters take part in a drill in Century City. Credit: Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[watchitgo]

Take a deep breath and ask yourself how you would feel if you needed a crew from one of the closed stations to save your family. Yeah, these fire fighters may sit a lot and watch TV, but when we need them they are on the spot and willing to put their lives on the line for us.

Maybe the OT program needs to be reconsidered, but don't bad mouth the people who may save your child from drowning, trapped in a car wreck, or in a burning building ready to collapse! Of all of the public agency employees the fire fighters do more in one trip than all the politicians in Californa! Let's cut their paychecks and benefits instead!

[Gary M]

Yes, it is easy to bad mouth firemen for sitting around getting a good salary. But, when the call comes in, everyone involved cannot wait for their arrival. Here are the problems. Years ago, the city wanted a "Class One" department. They built more fire stations and lowered response times. Then government mandated more training for rescues and haz-mat situations. (Anyone can point a hose at a fire). Then the fire unions came up with minimum staffing. The government regulation requires four firemen(women) on each engine. When a fireman calls in sick, the department has to call in someone on overtime. The police department does not do this, they just go short that day. Frequently the firemen will take a sick day so another fireman gets an overtime day. Both get paid--win win situation. This has caused most of the overtime. The citizens cannot afford this anymore. The fire stations must close and the citizens will have to wait longer for the fire department. I do not want to be the one that has to wait if my house is on fire, but we cannot afford a fire truck on every corner.

[david]

For those of you that talk down on the men and women who unselfish put their lives in danger to save yours i say this: i hope you never need the service from the man or woman that has decided to put your life and the life of your family before theirs. cut the money from where its wasted. stop giving money and healthcare and education to illegal immigrants.

[Jazz]

For those of you who complain about fire fighter pay and that they sit around you better hope that they are sitting around when you call 911.

Oh wait! Why don't we tell them that it fire fighting is a part time job so when your house catches on fire you can call 911 and they will page them at their full time job and they can get permission from their supervisor to leave to respond to your emergency. How would you like that?

If they make $500,000 they deserve it for going into burning buildings and saving your pets. How much does it cost to save a puppy from the sewer pipe?

I didn't here anyone complaining about their pay or activities when they were fighting those fires in the hills.

You people make me sick. You want the service but don't want to pay for it.

[lost cause]

Most of the 911 calls are from the undocumented and for non life threatening situations. Stop the funding and stop serving this group and you'll see tons of savings. Don't blame the firefighters and police, the politicians indirectly hired them.

[Tim]

We should only shut down the ones that play practical jokes on each other like serving dog food to the other fire fighters.

[Sandra V]

When was the last time your employer paid you to grocery shop and work out? Could someone please explain to me why the taxpayers have to pay fireman to work 24 hours shifts? FYI: WE DONT!!!!! Cut these men and women back to 8 hour shifts and get them to shop and work out on their own time. They are no different, no better than any other City employee. Too, tell them to stop driving City paid vehicles to their kids soccer and baseball games. Thank you.

[The Truth]

I'm a LAFD member. I'm not in management. The cold hard truth is that these changes are necessary and responsible. The citizens of LA deserve an efficient and quality Fire Department. This plan delivers this. Anyone who posts such nonsense that all we do is sit around is not a rationale or mentally stable person. The truth is that most of the LAFD is filled with hard working and dedicated individuals. The truth is that we have a corrupt union and an especially corrupt union president, and 2nd vice president. Janice Hahn, Pat McOsker and Frank Lima are all on the "big labor" payroll and have their own interests at stake. They do NOT represent what most LAFD members want which is why they are being systematically removed from power. Unfortunately, the unethical actions from Villarigosa and council members such as Hahn, and self serving union crooks such as Pat McOsker, delay and obstruct LAFD management in bringing a more efficient LAFD to the people of LA. Urge your council district to support the necessary cuts in spending. Thank-you

[John Q Public]

Firefighters working overtime save the city money. It's cheaper to pay out overtime then hire, train, pay salary/benefits/retirement to another individual. Even if a firefighter makes 250k yr with overtime which believe me is a very small percentage of firefighters the city still saves money. As far as retirement goes no matter how much firefighters make in overtime over their career they still retire at 50-80% of their base pay depending on their number of yrs of service---and if it makes you feel any better since this group seems to be on such a witch hunt for firefighters, the usual lifespan of a firefighter is 5-10yrs after retirement so the city doesn't have to pay out for long--who would have thought playing video games for a living would be so dangerous to your health??.. By the way did I mention every firefighter pays into their own retirement which is over 80% funded so the myth that firefighter pensions is breaking the city's bank is completely false. I for one am very happy to know that even after all the negative banter on this board if I need a firefighter any time of day or night for me or my loved ones I'll get the best trained and most professional firefighters and firefighter/paramedics in the world showing up at my door. Finally tax money very well spent!

[DisappointedLACityFirefighter]

I have some questions for those citizens who are concerned about Firefighters and our presumed fleecing of the city, while performing no real service. Do you have auto or home owners insurance? Due you pay a large premium that I am sure you vehemently complain about? Have you ever used one of your policies? If you have had to use one of these policies I am sure you are glad you had it. That is what the fire department is to the city and the citizens of Los Angeles. We are your true "life" insurance policy. I am disappointed that the more vocal citizens do not realize that they have one of the best trained fire departments in the world watching over them. If you have not had to ever use one of your insurance policies should you just cancel it? I would hope not. Should you reduce your premium, maybe. As firefighters we have taken the reduced staffing, equipment shortage, and cuts in pay without the public feeling any impact at all. We are not asking for a big thank you from the masses, just not to be demonized for doing what we are all proud to do.

[Astonished]

All these comments are great. UNTIL that one time when you need the fire department and OOPS its not there because of budget cuts! Keep those buckets handy for fighting fires because you'll need them.

I'm all for cutting wasteful spending, HOWEVER, the cutting needs to come from the top down. Not one LA City Council member has contributed to the "shared sacrifice" as they call it. None have reduced their staff, their budgets (1 million a year per council member + $100,000 do what you want with it discretionary fund)or their own salaries. When they AND the mayor start actually participating in attempts to correct the budget by actually spending less, then I'll agree that some fire stations probably need to be closed. But NOT BEFORE!

[rusoviet]

Get rid of them - a complete waste of money - Riordan tried this over fifteen years ago but the 'models for calandars' ramped up their 'model holding a helmet, with yellow mac on and reciting why his salary of $90K and that of his relatives is never to be touched - opps my '3/24' is up in ten minutes I need to get ready for that four day golf trip because I don;'t need the overtime this week.

[whattheheck]

FYI- I don't call the police, I take out my revolver. Why would I risk my families' well-being waiting on police to show up. They might make a mistake and shoot me. As for Firefighters, I have insurance for my single-story property, so I would just let it burn and finally make the insurance worth paying. In addition, my daughter has seizures about once a year; I get in my car and drive her to the hospital myself. Why would I pay a bill between $800-1500 for a ride to the hospitial. Public servants shouldn't be "rich." You can try to justify their work however you want, it still doesn't make sense.

[Mike]

@Ben

I agree. Working-class conservatives are people who want to pay less tax to the local, state, and Federal governments and -- at the same time -- keep whatever government entitlements or job they already have.

Their mantra:

I want more government services and a government job, but I want to pay less or no tax.

or,

It's OK to cut down "big government" as long as it doesn't affect me.

and,

Deregulate markets, but no so much that corporations can screw me.

I know. It's what you'd expect from an Orwell novel, not real life.

[Rod]

Ben Olguin you are too funny. It is funny how people decry unions and want one when their job is in jeopardy but then it is too late. lol. Next the police. Time to off lay those that cost the county money when they over beat and subjugate people rights and we the tax payers have to foot the bill in court costs and large verdicts.

[dottie chang]

I wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for the quick and professional response of the LAFD and its trained EMTs. I was in a horrible auto accident where I suffered severe blood loss and spinal damage. They quickly and correctly transported me to the emergency room. My spine surgeon said an untrained good samaritan could have easily have caused paralysis by trying to move me. Fortunately, the EMTs were on the scene in time to prevent any further damage to my spine.

Yes, there may be downtime where you see them washing their fire trucks, but they can't predict when they will be most needed. They risk their lives for the public good and it isn't fair to point at their downtime to say they waste our tax dollars. They are compensated fairly because they do a dangerous job that you must train to do. The firemen that saved my life were on call and available at a time where their quick response meant the difference between life and death.

We're talking about cutting back on our city's power to protect and save lives. What price can you put on that?

[Rick]

Wow, Ben Olguin....I hope you feel better now that you have finally vented your pent up anger for failing to achieve your lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter!

[Chris]

Since they have shut down 22 Fire Stations and 6 Ambulances since 2009, it is apparent they are not really needed. The Fire Fighters Union is looking to protect the Firefighters and their overtime. Closing 18, and loosing 4 would mean there is now 4 Fire Stations that are open full-time, and 2 Ambulances more than they have today. I would think the Fire Fighters Union would be happy some services are being restored, but I guess not.
Is re-opening 4 Stations and placing 2 Ambulances back into service something that should be objected to? I say re-open them, and add the 2 Ambulances back.

[dude]

It's really disgusting to see all of these posts, which are nothing more than miserable people, who have lost miserable jobs, their miserable mercedez, and miserable McMansions.
And feel the need to attack people who have "stable" careers.

It's a great idea!!! Lets attack everyone who has a job. Maybe you should have gone to work for the public sector!?!

Misery loooooves company!

[Anthony]

Talk all you want about how lazy we are and how we don't do anything but don't come crying or yelling at us when someone gets hurt or there house burns down and it takes longer to get there cause the closest engine and medic company were closed down!!!!!

[James Andrews]

Why does the city fire department run ambulances? Contract the service out and save all the fire battalions and millions in the process.

[Someone]

To all LAFD firefighters: Please don't think the people making stupid comments reflect the feelings of the vast majority of the people. The vast, vast majority value you and your work. We all sleep better knowing that you are one call away.

[For Shame!]

Shame on those of you who speak so poorly of your firefighters. How quickly we forget firefighter Glenn Allen who gave his life for a multi-million dollar house in the Hollywood Hills just 2 months ago. He never got to meet his grandaughter born on the same day he died. How much is his death worth to you? Shame on you all.

[Geoff Trapp]

Congress INCREASES annual aid to Israel to $3.075 billion in 2012.

More American taxpayer money abused to inflict unspeakable suffering and cruelty, unjust apartheid, and illegal ethnic cleansing ... making more people hate America ... thus justifying handing over billions more to defense and "national security" conglomerates in the name of protecting Americans.

Meanwhile, Americans bleed and suffer. Our schools are slashed. City services ended. Money for students cut. Funding for healthcare eliminated.

And our police and fire departments are decimated.

All so we can keep funding Israel's unholy war on peace, and paying to defend ourselves against the Muslim world's backlash to that war.

FIGHT BACK against AIPAC
Write your Congressional representatives.
Let them know you want Fire and Police funded ... not Israeli war crimes

Boycott, Divest and Sanction

http://JewishVoiceForPeace.org/

[affableman]

I see the geniuses are on here. The folks who think fireman make $250K a year, the ones who just hate unions because Rush told them to, etc...

Lose the firestation in your neighborhood nitwits and watch your homeowner's insurance rates go through the roof.

Damn Americans, getting dumber by the day.