With an anticipated $30 million deficit looming, the Anchorage Fire Department could see Station 15 shut down and lose a full service truck in Eagle River. Critics say that’s a reduction not seen since the 1980’s.
"We will be seeing historic cuts to the Anchorage fire department,” said IAFF Local member Nick Glorioso. “And the service the Anchorage Fire Department can provide to the community, whether it's shutting down a fire engines or fire stations."
Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan counters the department has been spared in the past four budgets since he’s been in office.
"We've fought hard for fire stations, new engines, and new ambulances,” said Sullivan. “We've been very good to the fire department, and now it would be nice if they would be willing to give something back.”
AFD's union says response times on the Southside of town, where Station 15 is located could increase from 4 to 15 minutes. If Eagle River loses its truck, the closest rig is based at the Airport Heights station.
“They're calling it a flexible staffing cascade, meaning if staffing isn't adequate that day, they will shut down a specific apparatus,” adds Glorioso.
Sullivan says he’s willing to listen to input from fire department employees on ways to cut back without shutting down fire stations or pulling trucks out of service.
A budget work session is scheduled for Friday morning. Sullivan says a vote on the budget could take place at the November 13th meeting.
Contact Adam Pinsker
