Firefighters Face Potential Job Losses with Upcoming Budget Cuts

As the 2011 fiscal year gets closer, budget cuts appear likely and as a result, some firefighters risk losing their job.

Wednesday, April 28th 2010, 3:39 pm

By: News 9


By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- As the 2011 fiscal year gets closer, budget cuts appear likely and as a result, some firefighters risk losing their job.

Oklahoma City Fire Chief Keith Bryant said if no last minute changes are made to the budget, his department could lose as many 10 jobs but would likely lose eight.

Under the departments labor contract, the firefighters who would be laid off would be the fire fighters most recently hired. In this case firefighters that were hired on last March.

"I hate the fact they're out there basically fearful of losing their job, I hate that, but you have to be honest with them," Chief Bryant said.

While the department risks job loses, Chief Bryant also said its unlikely any fire stations would have to close. However, with less fire fighters some vehicles would likely be put out of service. The equipment would likely be grass fire vehicles such as brush pumpers, the fire chief said.

"I've never faced this before, something I don't look forward to. These people have committed themselves and dedicated themselves to serving this city," said Chief Bryant.

A decision on whether job losses will be necessary won't be known for sure until the budget is finalized in June. Bryant is holding out hope that the city and the fire union could work something out to prevent job losses.

If firefighters are laid off, under their labor agreement, they must also be the first to be hired back on. Chief Bryant said he will be sitting down with those firefighters that risk losing their jobs in the coming days.

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