By Jennifer Myers
The Lowell Sun
LOWELL, Mass. — Lowell Fire Department Lt. David Keene last night called for the end of the budget-saving practice of closing city fire stations on a rotating basis in light of the deadly fire that destroyed a Bridge Street apartment building early Sunday morning.
Lowell firefighters rescued nine people from the inferno that claimed the lives of two residents and injured two firefighters, a feat Keene, the president of the firefighters union, said is even more impressive given that there were nine fewer firefighters on duty than there would have been had three companies not been closed at the time of the fire.
“To the layman, this means 60 percent of the closest companies were closed due to budget cuts,” Keene read, at last night’s City Council meeting, from a letter he wrote to City Manager Bernie Lynch. “We worked that fire with a reduction of personnel of 24 percent, one-fourth less manpower to take on the numerous tasks encountered simultaneously at this fire.”
Keene explained that while attempting to rescue a man from the fourth floor of the building at 353 Bridge St., later identified as 23-year-old Andrew Brooks, the thick smoke and intense heat nearly made victims of four firefighters: Capt. Brett Dowling, Lt. Jason Strunk, John Diaz and Robert Maldonado. Brooks was killed in the fire.
“It was during this time frame they ran out of air and became trapped,” he read. “When the air horns sounded for all to leave the building as it was too dangerous, these men, although trapped and out of air, continued their struggle to save this man. Their duty was not abandoned until repeated orders to vacate the building.
“They are the reason the practice of closing fire companies must stop,” he added. “Two things put out fires — water and manpower. These are the tools we ask for to keep you safe.”
Lynch said he had spoken to Keene over the weekend regarding the staffing situation, an issue he regularly addresses with Fire Chief Edward Pitta.
Pitta said that at the time of the fire, Ladder 4 on West Sixth Street, Engine 4 on High Street and the rescue company downtown were closed. Had all three been staffed, there would have been nine additional firefighters available.
“It is impossible to predict whether the outcome would have been different at all, but it is ideal to have all stations open,” he said.
Pitta added that the city has been closing some stations at different times since 1992. Since January 2009, there have been, at times, up to three companies off-line due to the budget crisis.
“The firefighters that night were truly heroic and did an outstanding job in their efforts to save the residents in the property on Bridge Street without regard for their own safety,” Lynch said, adding that he is aware that in the difficult financial times the city is currently weathering, both the fire and police departments have seen cuts in staff and resources.
He said federal grant money was used last year to hire nine firefighters.
“Response is important, and having the necessary resources and manpower is important to us as we serve the citizens of the city,” Lynch said, stating that he is committed to finding ways to reduce the amount of station closures and to ensure that the Fire Department is properly staffed during all shifts.
He said he will supply the council with a full report on the issue soon.
Also last night city councilors:
- Voted to appoint Assistant City Manager Adam Baacke as acting city manager from Oct. 16 through Oct. 21 while Lynch is in San Jose, Calif., at the International City Management Association’s annual conference.
- Approved a motion by Edward “Bud” Caulfield requesting that a public safety subcommittee meeting be held to address the Police Department’s strategy for reducing the illegal possession of guns and gun violence in the city.
- Approved a motion by Caulfield requesting that Lynch provide a status report on flood prevention on New York Street.
- Approved a motion by Mayor James Milinazzo requesting that the city take steps to assist the Armenian community to erect a monument in the City Hall plaza area.
- Authorized Lynch to enter into a five-year lease, with an option for four five-year renewals, for a total of 25 years, with US Wireless Inc., to lease space for cell towers at the wastewater treatment plant on Route 110 and the Parks Department building at 1313 Gorham St.
- Under the terms of the proposed lease, US Wireless will pay the city $2,100 per location, which will increase by 3 percent each year. Additionally, the city will receive 20 percent of the collected revenues on a monthly basis on the second subtenant tower at each location and 10 percent of the collected revenues on a monthly basis on the third or any additional subtenant towers.
- The measure passed in a 6-3 vote with Caulfield, Kevin Broderick and Joe Mendonca opposed. Those in opposition argued that they wanted more information, including the height of the proposed towers before approving the lease. Those in favor argued that those issues will be dealt with during Zoning Board of Appeals hearings, as that is the regulatory board that holds jurisdiction over such details.
- Observed a moment of silence for Albert Aucella, father of Acting Lowell National Historic Park Superintendent Peter Aucella.
- Accepted the minutes of their Oct. 5 meeting.
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