Posted on 10/21/23
| News Source: FOX45
When three Baltimore City firefighters lost their lives fighting a fire on Stricker Street two years ago, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott made a commitment.
"We are committed to improving the fire department in any way we can," said Mayor Scott.
Now, as the department struggles with another loss, there are questions about the Mayor's promise to improve the department.
The department remains understaffed with 135 open firefighter positions and 89 paramedic positions available.
Some of the city's firehouses are more than 100 years old.
In a letter to City Hall this summer, union leaders pleaded for a portion of the $641 million the city received in federal COVID funds hoping to purchase new fire engines.
So far, the department hasn't received a dime.
"It's absolutely a morale buster," said Rich Langford with the city firefighters union.
On WCBM radio Friday morning, host Kim Klacik took aim at the Mayor's commitment.
"He said he was going to make them a priority. It hasn't happened. It hasn't happened," said Klacik.