It was reported yesterday [2-21-2009] in the New Haven Register, that Hamden’s administration has met with town employees to discuss possible concessions for the next fiscal year.  Elected representatives of Hamden’s firefighters, IAFF Local 2687, have met with administration officials twice in two weeks.

Anytime employees are called back to the table to discuss the possibility of reducing wages or conceding benefits many responsible questions need to be asked.  It is well known that Governor Rell’s proposed state budget reduces the funding that Hamden will receive…however, this document is not finalized.  During these meetings Local 2687 listened and asked for financial documentation to present to our membership.  It is the policy of the union not to discuss proposals in public, before fully informing our career firefighters.

The Firefighter’s Union will be calling on the Town to meet with us again this week to discuss their specific needs for Fire Department funding, including both repairs and renovation of our infrastructure and salary / benefit costs.  This information is critical as our union pursues stimulus funds for Hamden to fill these needs.  The Uniformed Professional Firefighters of Connecticut [UPFFA] are leading the way with the International Association of Firefighters [IAFF], in coordinating the effort to encourage local municipalities to work with their IAFF affiliate locals in applying for stimulus funding.

Connecticut is slated to receive $545.8 million dollars in stimulus aid specifically earmarked for public safety concerns.  It is imperative that the Town work with the Union to formulate the hard numbers required, and make our needs known in Hartford as soon as possible. 

Another possible avenue of funding is the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant program [SAFER Act].  On February 13, 2009 US Senator Chris Dodd remarked, “We must ensure that the safety of our communities does not fall by the wayside as we work to get our economy back on track,” said Dodd.  “This measure will ensure fire departments in Connecticut and across the country will not have to refuse much-needed federal assistance because of strained local and state budgets.  This is about job creation and protecting our communities”

In 2003, The Hamden Professional Firefighters were asked by the Town administration to help close a reported $650,000 budget gap for the fiscal year 2003-04.  Our union came to the table, and ultimately passed a concession agreement that prevented the lay-off of career firefighters and other municipal employees.  Other municipal unions contributed to this concession measure as well.  Now, six years later, we are listening again.

Amidst an aging infrastructure which includes Fire Stations needing extensive repair or replacement, Hamden’s Professional Firefighters respond to nearly 10,000 emergency calls for help annually.  Responding safely to provide advanced life support with firefighter / paramedics, extrication in automobile accidents, technical rescue, and structural firefighting requires people, not vacancies.  Investigation, education and enforcement require resources as well.  Vacancies already exist on the fire line, and in the Fire Marshal’s office.

Local 2687 is ready to consider the facts, and listen with an open mind so an informed membership may consider the future.  Before one firefighter is laid off however, every form of governmental spending should be considered; not just the wages of those who proudly serve our community on a daily basis.