Long Beach City Officials, Firefighters Locked In Battle Over Reduction Of Fire Force
LONG BEACH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - There's a fire fight going on in Long Beach, but it's not the kind having to do with flames.
As WCBS 880's Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported, there are accusations that Long Beach city officials are trying to eliminate its paid fire force.
Long Beach City Officials say separating its emergency medical services from its fire department is progress that will save money and strengthen emergency response.
However, paid firefighters are accusing the city of attempting to eliminate the department through attrition.
Firefighters say there are better ways to curb spending by reducing overtime and changing schedules.
In the meantime, there are calls for the two sides to get together and work out the differences.
A Washington-based professional management association had recommended Long Beach reduce its paid fire department by half, Xirinachs reported.