Providence, Rhode Island Fire Department Cuts Jobs

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The Providence Police and Fire Departments will cut 25 positions each by not filling vacancies, the chiefs of both departments said.

The new budget approved Monday night by the City Council cuts 115 jobs from the city work force, including the 25 public safety jobs.

The police and fire chiefs told The Providence Journal that they're cutting the jobs from positions held by employees who have retired or been promoted.

``These are tough budget times, and we'll all have to work together,'' said police Chief Dean Esserman.

The savings in both departments amounts to about $1.6 million, or $800,000 each, said Karen Southern, a spokeswoman for Mayor David Cicilline.

The chiefs said they'll maintain minimum-staffing levels by relying more on overtime. The new budget gives both departments $200,000 for overtime spending.