April 10, 1981, Boston Fire Department

[grumpy grizzly]

On April 10, 1981 Boston Fire Department was hit with the reprecussions of Proposition 2 1/2 when 11 suppression companies were de-activated. These were Engine Companies 40-50-12-34-1-45- and 26 and Ladder Companies 5-22-8- and 30. Ladder 13 would follow in October. These cuts were in addition to Engine 25 and Engine 43/Ladder 20. Every house with 2 engine companies lost one, including E-12 from the busy "Ford Dudley". The Fire Brigade, E54/L-31 was eliminated. Also Rescue 2 was cut but went back in service shortly afterwards. Boston could use the activation of either 13 or 30 to ease some of their responses. But we all know it is about the politics.