NYC Firefighters Honored as Closings Loom
New York City firefighters are honored amidst the threat of 20 firehouse closings.
There were cheers and smiles as New York City firefighters were recognized Wednesday for going beyond the call of duty at a ceremony aboard the Intrepid museum in Manhattan.
This comes at a time when 20 firehouses throughout the city are in danger of closing under Mayor Bloomberg’s budget.
Lieutenant Edward Gonzalez is a firefighter at Ladder 161 on Coney Island, one of the stations slated to shut down. He said the city will suffer if any company closes. Gonzalez said, “We all rely on each other. If one house goes, it takes away from our safety and the citizen’s safety firsthand.”
The cuts would save the city 55 million dollars. Mayor Bloomberg has insisted they won’t put anyone in danger.
