PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A judge has ordered a 60-day postponement of the city's plan to close four engine companies and four ladder companies in a cost-cutting move.
The Philadelphia Common Pleas Court on Wednesday ruled in favor of the city firefighters' union, Local 22, which argued that the cuts would endanger lives.
``It's a major victory for Local 22. It's a major victory for the firefighters. And it's a major victory for the citizens of this city,'' union president Tom O'Drain said.
The cuts would slash $6.78 million from the fire department's annual budget and are part of an effort to balance the city's $3.4 billion operating budget. In all, the plan would eliminate four engine companies and four ladder companies while adding eight medic units. Some ladder companies and engine companies would be reallocated.
Fire Commissioner Harold Hairston said the city needs to keep up with changes in the public's needs, citing an increase in the number of medical-assistance calls and a decrease in the number of fires.
Related:
- Judge Blocks Philadelphia Fire House Closings
- Philadelphia Firefighters Rally Against Proposed Cuts
- Fatal Fire Prompts Protest In Philadelphia; Public Outcry Over Fire Dept. Budget Cuts
- Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Unveils Plans for Cutbacks
- Coming Philadelphia Fire-Company Cuts Evoke Contrasting Scenarios
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Firefighters to Rally Against Cuts
