Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
Q&A
Impact of civilian headcount reduction on FDNY operations
0:23:35
ยท
123 sec
Council Member Ariola inquires about the effect of civilian headcount reduction on the FDNY's operations, and Commissioner Tucker provides insights on the current situation.
- Commissioner Tucker assures that critical emergency services and public safety are not impacted by the headcount reduction
- The department maintains minimum required staffing for fire engines
- Some areas, particularly the Bureau of Fire Prevention, may experience slower processing times but still complete their tasks
- Tucker is working with the budget director to address staffing needs:
- New promotions for lieutenants, captains, and fire marshals are authorized for April
- Normalizing headcount is expected to reduce overtime and improve efficiencies
Joann Ariola
0:23:35
Yeah, I think that your CEO approach to this is very unique and I think that it works.
0:23:39
It worked for Bloomberg when he was first elected in continuing the good work that then his predecessor had done and taking the CEO approaches is really I think that will work.
0:23:53
So I know I couldn't do anything without my staff.
0:23:59
The staff is tantamount to what I can get done.
0:24:04
And I always say, I make the promises, and they make sure it's kept.
0:24:08
So how has the reduction of civilian headcount in the department affected the department?
Robert Tucker
0:24:17
First of all, on the critical emergency services that we provide to New Yorkers, there's no impact.
0:24:26
We we are always going to, staff our fire engines with the minimum manning required, and, there's no doubt that that will happen 365 a year.
0:24:41
So be assured that public safety is not in jeopardy.
0:24:45
On on head count generally, where we are down, what I could say is that particularly in our Bureau of Fire Prevention, we are sometimes slower at getting the job done, but we get the job done nevertheless.
0:25:02
I would like to get I'm working very closely with the budget director and the city has authorized a new set of promotions on the uniform side that's coming in April for lieutenants and captains and fire marshals, which we're grateful for.
0:25:25
Sooner we get normalized, right size the headcount, more quickly overtime will come down and certain other efficiencies will be accomplished.