By Beth LaMontagne Hall
The Union Leader
MANCHESTER, N.H. — When the fire department lays off 11 firefighters at the end of this week, it will take four fire trucks off the streets.
Fire Chief James Burkush said he will follow Mayor Ted Gatsas and the aldermen’s directive to have a minimum of 44 firefighters on duty at all times, but he also admitted that staffing strains this year have forced him to temporarily close city stations twice for a 10-hour shift.
Concerns over Fire Department staffing drove the budget debate that concluded Tuesday night, with about half the board pushing for additional firefighters and police officers and the other half looking to keep costs and tax rate increases to a minimum.
The new staffing plan calls for sidelining three ladder trucks and one pumper truck during all shifts. This puts one fire truck in service at each of the city’s stations, except the Fire Department headquarters.
Alderman Dan O’Neil, who has repeatedly argued against firefighter layoffs, said it is not just taking fire trucks out of service he’s concerned about.
“It takes bodies to put out fires. It takes people. It’s not about fire trucks and fire stations,” said O’Neil. “I think starting July 1, the public is more at risk than they were on June 30.”
Burkush has repeatedly pledged to keep stations open and said on Wednesday when asked about closures that, “the mayor has issued a directive to keep the fire stations open.”
The budget passed by the aldermen on Tuesday calls for 11 firefighter layoffs today. Up until last week the number was 15, but Burkush said four retirements have allowed him to keep on more staff.
“It’s really a brotherhood, and some guys retired to save jobs. I really appreciate that,” said Burkush.
There may be hope this year of bringing back additional staff. Gatsas pledged during Tuesday’s meeting to allow Burkush to rehire firefighters if his department sees additional layoffs.
“You heard the mayor say that,” said Burkush. “That’s my understanding.”
Gatsas said on Wednesday he would allow Burkush not only to fill those retirements but also green-lighted promotions of three staffers to lieutenant, which will give the department enough officers for each station and cut overtime costs for a net savings of $20,000, Gatsas said.
What the city can expect is higher overtime costs. Down 11 firefighters on Friday, Burkush said he also has to fill shifts for 17 firefighters who are taking vacation next week.
“We’re planning on beginning the year and managing overtime as best we can,” said Burkush.
Overtime has already proved to be a problem. In November, Burkush told the aldermen he might go over his overtime budget and could need more money. The result was a lowering of the department’s minimum staffing from 50 to 44 firefighters per shift and limits on overtime.
Gatsas throughout the year has told Burkush “we have your back,” and if the department was in a pinch money could be taken from the city’s contingency fund.
Burkush said he’s not counting on such an arrangement this year.
“There is no money in contingency for firefighters. We have to manage with what we have in the budget,” said Burkush. “That was pretty clear from Alderman (Mike) Lopez.”
But Gatsas said he will not shut the door on the fire department if it is in need later this year.
“If a department head comes to me, I will look at anything to make sure the safety of the city is in place,” said Gatsas.
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