NEWBURGH- The City of Newburgh Fire Department is operating one less fire engine beginning today due to staffing changes instituted by City Manager Todd Venning. The staffing changes were first reported HERE.
Venning said the staffing changes are the result of an audit of the fire department that was conducted by an accounting firm.
As a result of the changes, Engine 1, operating out of headquarters is not staffed today, January 15. All calls for emergencies will be handled by Engine 3, responding from the West End station at 492 Broadway. Engine 3 will be supplemented by Truck 1, the ladder truck operating out of headquarters at 22 Grand Street.
With plummeting air temperatures, the Newburgh firefighters, members of IAFF Local 589, posted an advisory on social media saying “Today is the first day of the city manager, Todd Venning’s staffing changes. Engine one is not available for calls. There are less firefighters on shift.” The first responders, aware of an increase in the use of space heaters during frigid temps also said “Please make sure all heating appliances are operating correctly and please make sure all smoke detectors are operational.”
