The New Bedford firefighter’s union rallied on Sunday to oppose the mayor’s proposal to take an engine off the road. The rally started and ended at Station 8 in the city’s north end. The union argues that public safety would be compromised if the cuts are made. The proposal cuts engine 8 and ten vacant firefighter positions. City of New Bedford Public Information Officer Jonathan Carvalho told NBC 10 that the main reason is a financial one due to the pandemic. Cuts to the budget should prevent layoffs, Carvalho said. He added the recommendation was made by the fire chief and called it the "least painful cut to make." Carvalho said there would still be another engine to respond to calls. NBC 10 previously reported that two people died in fires earlier this year while the city’s blackout policy was in effect. A blackout is when stations transition out of service on a daily basis to save money.