Public and First Responder safety in peril in Lackawanna
Lackawanna, NY – 3 November 2014 – Extremely unsafe and unsound conditions currently exist within the City of Lackawanna’s response to 911 emergencies. These conditions, implemented unilaterally by city government went into effect several months ago and not only put first responders in danger, but also extend to the citizens of Lackawanna. On July 10, Mayor Geoffrey Szymanski relocated the city’s Fire and Medical dispatch from Fire Station 3 to City Hall. This move was not only abrupt and unannounced – but also unplanned, in bad faith, and ultimately against the law.


The IAFF Local 3166 has attempted to resolve these issues behind closed doors for the past few months. We have contacted the NYS Department of Labor as well as the NYS Public Employment Relations Board - who have both begun actions in accordance with their policies and practices. Additionally, we have offered several solutions to this problem, and the Fire Chief has recommended that this move be rescinded for the safety of the city’s citizens and emergency responders.However, Mayor Szymanski remains uncooperative and unresponsive – refusing to heed the warnings of this dangerous move. We are now asking for the public to join us in standing up to keep our city safe. A list of the specific issues follows.


1) The City of Lackawanna failed to appropriately plan for a transfer of Fire/Medical Dispatch, nor was any basic forethought given to planning for day-to-day operations.
2) Transfer of the proper phone lines has been delayed.
3) Notification to private alarm monitoring companies has been delayed and incomplete.
4) Municipal alarms are still being transmitted to the now closed and unmonitored alarm office at Station 3.
5) The City has failed to provide Fire/Medical dispatchers with proper break and lunch relief as mandated by NYS law. Fire dispatchers are required to carry a portable radio to the bathroom in case a medical or fire call is received. Dispatcher must then immediately return while response is delayed. The NYS Department of Labor has filed a charge against the City in regard to this infraction.
6) The City failed to amend the FCC license to allow for transmitting from City Hall. Radio transmission is forwarded to City Hall from Station 3 by telephone line.
7) The dispatch area in City Hall (one room) is crowded to the point that Police and Fire/Medical radio dispatches are being transmitted over each other’s radio frequencies.
8) Background noise in the dispatch area has made radio transmissions unclear and communication need frequent repeating.
9) Radio transmissions from Fire Apparatus to Fire Apparatus and portable radio to Fire Apparatus are not being received.
10) Response times have been delayed by the inability to communicate directly with the Captain in charge.


The City of Lackawanna Fire Department is dedicated to preventing or minimizing the loss of life and property from fire, and natural and man-made emergencies. The fire department strives to improve the quality of life through public education and prevention of fire, and, with the resources available, provide a fire suppression force capable of handling emergencies, which may include structural fire fighting, pre-hospital medical care, and response to hazardous materials incidents.[/B]
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