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Brookline, MA is facing heated discussions following the announcement of a new staffing model for its Fire Department. Set to be implemented on July 1, the proposed plan reduces the minimum staffing requirement from 29 to 23 personnel. This change is designed to provide more flexibility for the fire chief, especially concerning overtime management, according to Town Administrator Chas Carey. The town anticipates significant cost savings of at least $1.5 million annually, which could help prevent future layoffs.
However, not everyone is on board. Brookline Firefighters of IAFF Local 950 strongly oppose the move, labeling it a "reckless staffing cut" and expressing that it undermines labor laws and collective bargaining processes. In protest, Local 950 staged a demonstration outside Town Hall.
While Carey assures that staffing will exceed 23 firefighters 80% of the time, maintaining compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards, concerns remain about the implications for fire safety and response readiness in the community.
For more detailed insights on this development, read the full article at Patch: [Brookline's New Fire Department Staffing Model Draws Criticism](Source).
Brookline's New Fire Department Staffing Model Sparks Controversy
Brookline, MA is facing heated discussions following the announcement of a new staffing model for its Fire Department. Set to be implemented on July 1, the proposed plan reduces the minimum staffing requirement from 29 to 23 personnel. This change is designed to provide more flexibility for the fire chief, especially concerning overtime management, according to Town Administrator Chas Carey. The town anticipates significant cost savings of at least $1.5 million annually, which could help prevent future layoffs.
However, not everyone is on board. Brookline Firefighters of IAFF Local 950 strongly oppose the move, labeling it a "reckless staffing cut" and expressing that it undermines labor laws and collective bargaining processes. In protest, Local 950 staged a demonstration outside Town Hall.
While Carey assures that staffing will exceed 23 firefighters 80% of the time, maintaining compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards, concerns remain about the implications for fire safety and response readiness in the community.
For more detailed insights on this development, read the full article at Patch: [Brookline's New Fire Department Staffing Model Draws Criticism](Source).