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Firefighters in Latham are calling for 24/7 full-time staffing to improve emergency response times and ensure public safety. The Colonie Professional Firefighters' Association, representing Latham firefighters, has raised concerns over the current system, which relies on volunteers after 6 p.m. This reliance has reportedly led to missed calls and delayed responses, according to Shaun Leonardo, president of the association and a firefighter EMT.
The Latham Fire Department recently received a $426,838 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program. This program provides financial assistance to fire departments to ensure adequate staffing and improve firefighter safety.
Latham Fire Chief William Childs stated that the grant will be used to hire four new full-time firefighters, enhancing daily operations and response capacity. "With this SAFER award, we can ensure that Latham remains fully staffed and ready to respond at any hour," Childs said, emphasizing the benefits of faster response times and safer working conditions for crews.
However, the firefighters' union argues that the grant should fund 24/7 staffing rather than just adding new positions without increasing daily staffing levels. "We are very grateful... we would just like to see the staffing implemented in a way that supports public safety," Leonardo stated.
The Latham Fire Department, founded in 1910, serves approximately 21,000 residents in Latham and Colonie with two stations. The department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the union's concerns.