CITY OF NEWBURGH – U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney implored the cash-strapped City of Newburgh to find funding to prevent the layoffs of 12 firefighters once the federal grant covering their salaries and benefits runs out at the end of July.
Thursday's appearance in Newburgh marked the second time Maloney and his staff have campaigned to prevent the layoffs of firefighters funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, which has twice given Newburgh two-year grants.
The dilemma also represents the second time Newburgh has declared itself unable to take on the costs of the firefighters as the grant runs out. If the layoffs happen, the fire department will see its strength reduced to 56 from 68.
"For five years, everybody here has known this day is coming; this is not a surprise to anybody," Maloney said. "For five years we could have been preparing for this day, and that is something local officials have to answer for."
Newburgh first announced that it had received a SAFER grant in September 2013. The fire department used its $2.4 million award to hire 15 new firefighters, bringing its strength to 70.
Fire officials say the extra manpower improved both public and firefighter safety by adding one more firefighter to each truck and allowing for quicker deployment of hoses and ladders at fire scenes. Firefighters have also bolstered Newburgh's code enforcement efforts.
When the city's ability to take over the costs of the extra firefighters did not materialize as the first grant expired, Maloney and other elected officials successfully lobbied FEMA for a second grant worth $2 million in July 2016 to prevent mass layoffs. A third grant is unlikely.
"With the layoff of these guys in July, it's going to really hamper out abilities to respond and definitely remove the ability for us to provide the support that code enforcement needs," said Brendan Hogan, president of Local 589 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Maloney also honored the eight Newburgh firefighters injured in the second of two explosions that occurred Nov. 20 at the Verla International cosmetics factory in New Windsor.
The fire highlighted the importance of Newburgh's fire department to the region, City Manager Michael Ciaravino said. The region should help underwrite the cost of the city's fire department, he said.
"In our community the taxes are as high as they have ever been and what we are looking for is a regional solution to this problem," Ciaravino said. "The (Newburgh) community has made their voices heard; they cannot afford any additional taxes."
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