Firefighter Hiring Freeze Would Shutter Station in Folsom, CA

July 8, 2025
Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano said he doesn't support a delay of hiring 10 firefighters in the growing city.

The city's proposal to delay the hiring of firefighters may shutter a fire station in one of the fastest-growing cities in California -- a move that isn't sitting well with the fire chief.

"I don't necessarily believe that starting with public safety to save money is the best idea," Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano told CBS Sacramento.

The hiring of 10 firefighters also may be on hold as the city faces a $3 million deficit.

"It will result in the closure of a station because we just wouldn't have the personnel to fill all the positions that we would need to," Cusano said, adding that he would have to take one of the department's three ambulances off the road.

As he watches construction of new houses, the chief said he's hoping it doesn't come to short-staffing the fire department.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.