NEW YORK (AP) -- Before he made it in Hollywood, Steve Buscemi was a New York City firefighter from 1980 to 1984 -- and he continues to be a vocal and high-profile supporter.
The actor featured in ``Fargo'' and ``Con Air'' joined about 50 demonstrators Saturday to protest a cost-cutting proposal to close eight firehouses.
``I think it's a slap in the face, after all that they've done and all that they continue to do. They're just starting to come back,'' Buscemi said, referring to the 343 firefighters killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. ``This is just terrible _ a terrible message to firefighters because they want to save $10 million or $11 million a year.''
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, seeking to close a $3.4 billion budget deficit, has proposed eliminating eight firehouses and said last week at least 30 more may have to be closed if the city does not receive state or federal financial assistance.
