Boston Fire, G. O. 27, 4-7-1981.

[grumpy grizzly]

In 1980 Massachusetts voters passed Prop 2 1/2, sick and tired of yearly tax increases. The result was dramatic cutbacks in public services, fire, police, public works, etc. On 2-4-81 the first shots were fired when the firehouse of Engine 43/Ladder 20 was closed and companies were placed OOS, as well as Engine 25. However this was nothing compared to April 7 when Commissioner/COD Paul issued G. O. 27. With one swoop of the pen the following companies were dis-banded. Engines 40-50-12-34-1-45- and 26 along with Ladders 5-22-8- and 30. In ond day BFD went from 77 to 55 companies. Every 2 engine/1 ladder house lost an engine company, including the busiest, Fort Dudley, home of 12-14- and Ladder 4. Engine 26, whose second piece was a Ford wagon with a Squrt appliance went OOS as well as my still engine house, E-34. They were on almost every second alarm COQ running card, their house was closed. In October Engines 1, 36, and 11 as well as L-13 were placed on that list. In addition 2 districts were abolished.

So now we have numerous lay-offs. Normally first-hired, first-fired. Well BFD was under affirmative action issues, so those hired under that were safe. This was the same judge who stated that "veterans preference" was illegal because it discriminated against those who did not go to Vietnam. Shit, in those days I don't remember long lines at the recruiter or them turning people away. So I lost my vets preference as well as a bonus 5 point for the PH. In addition with the younger guys being laid-off they were replaced by much older guys, guys who had done their job in the busy places and were now at the not so busy places. Well now they are leaving the "pajama" houses and going back to the busy houses. And with a 25% reduction in houses they were all going to get busy when a gang of psycho arsonists tried to burn the city down!

So now you have demotions as well, 2 districts were eliminated. So now you go from running a district with 5-7 companies to running a company as a Captain chasing brush fires @ Mt. Hope Cemetary. All this was before the internet age and I was no longer in Boston so I was unaware of all this. None of the closed companies went back in service except E-50, then they closed E-36 instead. BFD could really used at least 1 ladder and probably 2, L-13 and 30. 3 of the top 5 ladders for runs were 15, 17, and 26, 13 could take some of that away. In addition those 3 companies are the RIT/ second alarm assignment for D-11, Brighton, which is removed somewhat from the city proper, as is East Boston, who could use a fourth engine. Nothing like trying to respond through the tunnel during rush hour. I will publish the runs and activity a little later, enjoy. You can read the orders @ Boston Fire Historical Society web site

 

[grumpy grizzly]

These are some stats concerning Boston Fire for the year preceeding the cutbacks and several years following it. Incidents are pretty self-explantory, the number may be off a little depending on the last WF/Multiple of the year. W/F is a FDNY 10-75, an extra engine and ladder, rescue if available, and the deputy for that division. multiple are multiples. Info from the "Emba" page which sadly is no longer up-dated.
Year Incidents Multiples Working Fires
1980 53700    139          113
1981 50010    167          108
1982 44484    177          81
1983 40568    121          63
1984 43911    84            58
1985 49000    92            54

Amazing the decrease in WF's and the increase in multiples stating in 1982.

From the book "Busy as Hell, Volume 2" by Mike Foley are these stats for BFD from 63-83, our "War Years".
Incidents 938984, 6282 fires with a 3/2 response, 3324 WF.s,2069 seconds, 657 thirds 199 fourth, and 130 fifths. In 1980 BDS changed its alarm response to a 9 alarm card, 23/6 12/7, 6/8' and 6 ninth alarm. 10 year average was 44700 incidents, 299 3/2, 158 WF, 99 seconds, 31 thirds, 10 fourth and 6 fifths, with 6/sixths, 3/7, 2/8, and 2 ninths.