Urging the Fire Department of Philadelphia to suspend its planned rotation of 293 senior firefighters en masse from all parts of the City, beginning next month. Further deliberation is critical to ensure the success of such a large and abrupt disruption to unit cohesion in fire stations, jeopardizing public safety.

WHEREAS, On November 1, 2012, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers wrote memorandum #12-134, which will initiate an annual rotation system for firefighters starting January 1, 2013. It requires 293 firefighters who have worked at stations for ten years or more to be rotated to new stations. In 2014, firefighters who have worked at stations for at least eight years will be rotated. While the Fire Department claims that this policy was created to foster skill-building among senior firefighters, it is being implemented hastily and without agreement from most firefighters. Breaking apart the members of a fire station, many of whom have served together for many years, will disrupt unit cohesion. This and other negative effects could seriously threaten public safety; and

WHEREAS, The Fire Department claims that this policy is a “best practice,” and research conducted by this body shows that no other comparable city has even considered such a policy, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Houston, San Diego, Miami, Phoenix and Baltimore. There is no successful model to look to. And there will be no trial period or pilot project; and

WHEREAS, During the public hearing conducted by the Committee on Labor and Civil Service on the issue on November 27, 2012, Commissioner Ayers was not able to sufficiently answer why he believes this policy will help the Fire Department, or why it must be implemented so quickly and without further discussion. Many in this body have voiced their concerns and would prefer further dialogue over immediate action; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Philadelphia Fire Department is urged to suspend its planned rotation of 293 senior firefighters en masse from all parts of the City, beginning next month. Further deliberation is critical to ensure the success of such a large and abrupt disruption to unit cohesion in fire stations, jeopardizing public safety.

End