VIDEO: There are signs up throughout Plattsburgh calling for “A Stand on Safety.” They’re being put up by the local firefighters union. With the ability to respond within minutes, the Plattsburgh City firefighters are constantly poised and ready to respond. While they can arrive quickly, they might not come fully prepared.
“We don’t have the firefighters responding that we should,” said Jamie Schwartz, vice president of the Plattsburgh Professional Firefighters Local 2421, and Plattsburgh City firefighter. “People think we have a six-man minimum and that’s not true. That’s six firefighters in the entire city to come rescue you.”
According to the NFPA 1710, the industry standard for career fire departments, the Plattsburgh City Fire Department has been understaffed for years. That’s why the local firefighters union has launched a campaign.