Tacoma Firefighters Warn City Budget Cuts Could Cost Lives

The Tacoma firefighters union is urgently warning that proposed budget cuts could jeopardize public safety in the city. As Tacoma grapples with a $24 million budget deficit, city officials are considering the elimination of the rover program, which is crucial for maintaining adequate staffing levels during emergencies. This potential cut could result in the loss of 16 positions within the Tacoma Fire Department, further straining resources that are already stretched thin. Union president Allyson Hinzman highlights that the department has been underfunded for decades, leading firefighters to work excessive hours, often exceeding 100 hours a week, which has resulted in increased injuries and leave rates. While the city claims to have increased the fire department's budget by $13 million, Hinzman argues that this funding has not addressed operational needs.

As Tacoma continues to grow, the department’s infrastructure and personnel have not kept pace, with the same number of engines in use since 1955. The firefighters are advocating for immediate action to secure funding and resources to keep the community safe. If these cuts proceed, the consequences could be severe, affecting both the firefighters and the residents they serve.