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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor proposes adding 15 firefighters in new budget
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
9/12/2005 10:00:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alex Fryer (206) 684-8358
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Mayor proposes adding 15 firefighters in new budget
Plan part of goal to make Seattle the most prepared city in the country
SEATTLE -- Mayor Greg Nickels and Fire Chief Gregory Dean announced today
a proposal to hire 15 additional firefighters next year and increase the number
of four-person crews ready to respond to emergencies, a significant step in
the mayor’s effort to make Seattle the most prepared city in the country.
The new four-person crews -- a top priority for fire fighters -- would be
deployed at the Green Lake, Greenwood and Madison Valley fire stations when
the recruits complete training in the second quarter of 2006.
“By adding 15 firefighters next year, I’m letting everyone know
we are serious about meeting our commitments to the people we count on in emergencies,” Nickels
said. “Especially in light of Hurricane Katrina, we must continue our
efforts to be the most prepared city in the country.”
Voters approved a Fire Levy in 2003 that is providing money to upgrade, renovate,
or replace 32 neighborhood fire stations. Under the program, the city is buying
emergency generators, water pumping stations and other vital equipment to deal
with natural disasters.
Hiring the additional firefighters will cost $1.3 million a year. Money for
the proposal is included in the mayor’s proposed 2006 budget, which he
will deliver to the City Council Sept. 26.
“Every day our firefighters and paramedics strive to provide the best
emergency and medical services possible to the citizens of Seattle,” Dean
said. “The mayor’s proposal recognizes their efforts and our department
will be even stronger as a result.”
Of Seattle’s 33 fire stations, 23 are staffed by four-person engine
crews. Seven have three-person engine crews and four-person ladder crews. Only
three stations have just three-person engine crews and they are the ones slated
to receive the fourth firefighter. Fifteen firefighters will need to be hired
to ensure one additional staff member is on duty at these stations at all times.
“Fire fighters are always on the front line of any emergency,” said
Paul Atwater, president of Local 27. “This increase in staffing is an
important step toward making Seattle’s firefighters safer and more prepared
to protect our City. We appreciate the Mayor’s commitment to fire fighter
and public safety.”
Visit the mayor’s web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor. Get the mayor’s
inside view on initiatives to promote transportation, public safety, economic
opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter
at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm
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Office of the Mayor
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