BALTIMORE --
Baltimore City firefighters are speaking out against a proposed budget that calls for cutting overtime and closing two companies.
Dozens of emergency personnel rallied outside City Hall on Monday in the run-up to Mayor Sheila Dixon's decision.
An estimated 150 firefighters and emergency workers showed up for the rally.
While the mayor's office points out that no jobs will be cut and no fire houses will be closed, firefighters said there is a strong concern about safety.
"People think it's about money. It's not. It's about these members' safety and the citizens of Baltimore," Truck Company 3 Lt. Tom Nosek said.
Union officials are comparing what's going on to shuffling furniture on the Titanic, saying there has to be a way.
"Quite frankly, the final straw has broken the camel's back," Fire Officers Union President Steven Fugate said. "Monies upfront in the beginning of the year don't necessarily balance out at the end of the year, so (there has to be) some possible supplemental money to keep (Company) 36 and 2 open. We never say never."
The city is proposing to close Engine Company 36 on Edmonson Avenue and to put a truck company there. The plan also calls for closing Truck Company 2 on Lombard Street and replacing it with a medic unit.
It's all an attempt to cover more bases with less people, thus costing less money and using less overtime.
"Our companies are already running at unprecedented numbers. Out runs have gone up 15 percent in last five years already," Firefighters Union president Boz Sledgeski said.
But most firefighters told WBAL-TV 11 News they feel this will compromise safety, and they are asking City Council members in their districts for help.
Councilman Jim Kraft, vice chairman of the public safety committee, said Fire Chief James Clack told him he has concerns.
"We actually had Chief Clack in the other day, and he was asked if these cuts would affect the service and needs of the citizens and he said yes," Kraft said.
Clack was not at the meeting, but fire officials said that no one's safety is in jeopardy.
"It's not our impression that emergency services are going to be impacted. Will there ever be a slight delay? Possibly," Baltimore City Fire Department representative Kevin Cartwright said.
Dixon's spokesperson said the mayor appreciates the civil engagement of the firefighters, but that she has to make tough decisions.
Union officials said they hope to get a sit-down with the mayor before those decisions are made.
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