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NYC Firefighters To Protest FDNY Company Closings

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May 12, 2009 7:32 am US/Eastern

NYC Firefighters To Protest FDNY Company Closings

NEW YORK (CBS) ― It's their job to fight fires and save lives. But on Tuesday morning some FDNY firefighters will be battling to keep their engine and ladder companies from closing because of the economy.

Hundreds of firefighters are expected on the steps of City Hall at 9:30 to protest the city's decision. The four fire companies are expected to close on July 1 if the decision is not overturned.

"People will die."

That's what they yelled in January at a hearing in the Bronx after New York City announced plans to close four fire companies because of the city's fiscal crisis.

Now the FDNY has mailed letters giving the required 45 days notice to shutter those four companies all together. They are Engine 4 in lower Manhattan, Engine 161 in South Beach Staten Island, Engine 271 in Bushwick and Ladder 53 in City Island. The FDNY units that share their firehouses will stay open.

"Ladder 53 was one of the least active in the city," said FDNY Chief Sal Cassano. "Only 144 responses last year, that was the least."

But the City Councilmember representing City Island says closing the ladder company in his district endangers life and limb.

"Public safety is being directly impacted. This community will have the highest response time anywhere in the city of New York," said Councilman James Vacca.

Before City Island Ladder Company 53 was closed during overnight hours earlier this year, there was a two-alarm fire that left several people injured. Residents at that time were upset by the prospect of losing their ladder company.

"Thank God that one truck is still here," said one resident.

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