By FireRescue1 Staff
NEW YORK — In an agreement with the city and fire union, the FDNY will add a fifth firefighter to staff five engine stations.
Union officials said the move to increase total staff will decrease response times and keep firefighters safe.
“Increasing the staffing on the fire engines will decrease the amount of time to stretch a hose line and put water on the fire which will save lives,” James Slevin, United Firefighters Association president, told NY Daily News. “It’s going to mean less burn injuries for firefighters and make the public safer as well.”
The union has pushed for increased personnel since 2011, when the city decreased the fifth firefighter to cut costs. Five stations have received an additional firefighter; the city said a total of 20 companies will receive a fifth firefighter.
“This contract continues to be beneficial to all parties, especially those we serve, with additional firefighters now available to respond to fires and medical emergencies in all five boroughs,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said.