WARREN
The Warren Fire Department’s attempt to receive a second $5 million grant to keep its staffing level at about 75 firefighters has been rejected, meaning layoffs will occur after May 26, Mayor Doug Franklin said.
The city learned last week it won’t get another Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The department received one in November 2010 that expired in November 2012, but the government extended it until May 26 of this year because about $2.5 million of the $5 million remained unspent.
Franklin said Thursday that without the grant, there’s “going to be a staff reduction” in the department.
The city will apply for the next SAFER grant available, but he doesn’t think that will prevent the city from laying off some current staff.
For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.
Comments
Back in November around election time the fire department was seen on TV saying if the grant wasn't obtained it wouldn't have an effect on staffing.
What happened? I thought you said you gave up enough in negations to cover even if you didn't get the grant. Try and relook at the news footage. Their memory must be a bit on the short side.
I wonder how many pencil-pushing political appointees are floating around city hall, while they're talking about cutting safety forces?