Massachusetts Fire Fighters Rally to Protect Jobs and Resources

April 15, 2009 – More than 1,500 of IAFF Massachusetts fire fighters descended on Boston April 14 to call Governor Devel Patrick’s attention to several serious issues, including fire fighter layoffs and equipment and training budget cuts. The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) led a march in the streets around the state house, stopping on the building’s front steps to hold the rally and press conference.

Speaking to the crowd, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) President Robert McCarthy said, “Today, we sound the alarm on the dire state of the fire service. With more layoffs, station closings and unsafe staffing levels, every day the public is put more and more at risk.”

Because of the economic downturn, the state has been sending less money to aid cities and towns. Consequently, more than 120 fire fighters have been laid off in New Bedford, Fall River, Worcester, Amesbury and Shirley alone. More layoffs could be on the way July 1 when the new fiscal year begins.

The PFFM supports Governor Patrick’s budget line item to fund $22.7 million to the Department of Fire Services and is urging him to allocate funds from the federal stimulus bill to assist distressed fire departments. Neither of these initiatives would come “from taxpayer dollars and are critical to maintaining the safety of [Massachusetts] communities,” says McCarthy

The governor may allocate 18.2 percent ($180 million) of the State Stabilization Fund ($1.3 billion) to assist public safety under the stimulus bill.

After the press conference and rally, Governor Patrick agreed to meet privately with the PFFM Executive Board and 50 recently laid off New Bedford Local 841 and Fall River Local 1314 fire fighters. The governor assured them that he would think seriously about allocating some federal stimulus monies to help fire departments.

April 14 was also PFFM’s Annual Lobby Day. Massachusetts fire fighters went from the rally to meet with their legislators to discuss issues related to short staffing, equipment, training and pension reform. Fire fighters support the governor’s request for the House and Ways and Means Committee to include in their next budget continued funding for hazardous materials response and training and fire fighter equipment grants.

The PFFM is also supporting the “Protect the Protector” bill that would presume certain infectious diseases as job-related.