Fall River Herald News Article

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City Council notifies administration that it will not support budget staffing just 153 firefighters

Fall River Fire Department District Chief James Mellen, left, who is vice president of the firefighters Local 1314, points out what he says are discrepancies in Mayor Will Flanagan's statements regarding proposed fire department staffing levels. Seated next to Mellen is the union local's president, Firefighter Jason Burns. Union members in the audience are wearing white T-shirts.

Jo C. Goode
Herald News Staff Reporter
Posted Apr. 25, 2014

FALL RIVER — Mayor Will Flanagan was given notice by the City Council that it will reject any fiscal 2015 budget that includes the layoff of 60 city firefighters.

City Council President Joseph Camara said he polled his council colleagues and they all agreed that a fire department complement of 153 was not adequate and could even pose a public safety issue.

“When the fire chief comes and tells us that a first response can come on time but the second response will be delayed, that hurts,” Camara said. “That’s no way to run the city. The numbers don’t work.”

Camara said he’s informed Flanagan about the council’s intentions.

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