Ohio FFs Raise Post-Layoff Staffing Concerns

Sept. 1, 2009
There's growing concern with the staffing situation within the Steubenville Fire Department, especially given that three fire fighters will lose their jobs Tuesday.

There's growing concern with the staffing situation within the Steubenville Fire Department, especially given that three firefighters will lose their jobs Tuesday.

Layoff notices will go out Tuesday for two city employees represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and for three city firefighters.

The unions agreed to those cuts in an effort to help the city stabilize its budget.

Because of these concessions, the fire department will only have 10 firefighters on duty per shift. That's below the national reccomendation of 15.

The Pleasant Heights and West End stations could be left with just two firefighters on each shift.

Department administrators are hoping to secure grant money through the Safer Firefighters grant program to help bring some of those jobs back in the future.

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