AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Firefighters Association is turning to voters to keep four‑person staffing on every fire truck — a move the union says is essential for safety.

In July, Austin city officials proposed cutting minimum staffing on firetrucks from four people to three to save $8 million as the city faces a $33 million budget shortfall. At a city council work session three months ago, Fire Chief Joel Baker said the goal of that proposal was simple: “My goal here is to keep every fire station open staffed with personnel.”

Union President Bob Nicks said the cost savings are not worth the risks.

“Three person staffing on 48 of 50 fire engines? It's a pretty huge move towards an unsafe action to save, again, what I would call a modicum of money in the budget,” Nicks said.

The Austin

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