New York Revamps Responses With Saving to Taxpayers
Fire Commissioner Edward F. Cavanagh, Jr., recently announced that the New York Fire Department expected to save the taxpayers $778,500 in salaries during the current year by the elimination of four engine companies, the second section of a ladder company and the 25th (Marine) Battalion. The 24 officers and 143 firemen in these units have been transferred to other units.
Commissioner Cavanagh credited these savings to the department’s “increased fire prevention inspectional and educational program, together with improvements in the department’s communications system.” He assured Mayor Robert F. Wagner that this saving will not impair service but, on the contrary, will improve fire operations through greater efficiency.
In addition, whenever more than three land engine companies are due to respond to a box south of 59th Street, Manhattan, the fourth-due company shall not respond on the box. It shall respond, however, if a 7-5 signal (All Hands Working) or a greater alarm is transmitted for the box.
To provide increased fire protection for midtown Manhattan, a new Squad Co. 5 has been established in quarters on East 14th Street. Using a converted hose wagon equipped with fire fighting equipment, the new squad responds to all first alarms from Canal to 42nd Streets.
Commissioner Cavanagh also revealed that the department plans to replace passenger cars used by division and battalion chiefs with station wagons. As a starter, 28 have been requested. Each of the station wagons will be an auxiliary fire fighting apparatus for it will carry 1 1/2-inch hose, fire extinguishers, masks, fire fighting tools, resuscitators and first-aid kits. In case of need, it may be used as an ambulance.
