Pasadena Firefighters’ Association Issues Dire Warning Over Proposed Budget Cuts

Pasadena Firefighters’ Association says budget cuts could severely affect public safety. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News

Survey of residents indicates high levels of support for protecting Fire and Police

By Staff

At a time of increased fire danger and already depleted fire services, Pasadena Firefighters Association, Local 809, has issued a warning that proposed budget cuts could “result in a reduction in effectiveness of firefighters and emergency preparedness, which will reduce public safety and put firefighter lives in danger.”

As the City of Pasadena begins budget deliberations, rank and file firefighters are voicing strong objections to proposed public safety budget cuts. “The proposed cuts in public safety spending are going to have an effect on firefighter effectiveness and emergency preparedness, compounding an already thin front line of firefighters,” said Scott Austin, President of Pasadena Firefighters, Local 809.

Pasadena residents were invited to “Join the Conversation” and provide budget priorities for 2018-2019. The top two categories of priorities are directly related to the Pasadena Fire and Police Departments. Residents registered the highest level of support for “Preserving 911 emergency response times and fire/paramedic services” followed by “Keeping fire stations open and upgraded.” Despite the appeal from residents to bolster public safety, the proposed budget does the opposite.

“The proposed cuts to personnel in an already understaffed department increase risk, not just to the residents and visitors, but to the Fire Department itself. We are already at the bone. We are now talking about the safety of firefighters and safety of the community.  Budget holes of the city shouldn’t be filled at the expense of the Fire Department. The proposed cuts are a slap in the face to our department and the residents of Pasadena,” added Austin.

It is important for the community to know that firefighters have already helped the City with budget issues. “Understanding the need to give back, the Pasadena Firefighters voluntarily increased retirement benefit payments ahead of schedule, provided streamlined alternatives to workers compensation, and suggested the City participate in the California “Fire Candidate Testing Center” to reduce hiring costs and increase diversity in the department,” said Austin.

Austin concluded, “The Pasadena Firefighters Association will continue to dialogue with the City and community to streamline finances, but not at the cost of public safety. We believe the City will make the right choice to remove cuts, which hurt families, visitors and everyone on the front line of public safety.”

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