WPFD gets $1.9 mil to rehire laid off FFs

[efdcapt115 1,511]

WHITE PLAINS — White Plains has received word that it will be awarded a $1.9 million federal grant to fill the positions of nine firefighters who had received pink slips in May:

http://www.lohud.com/article/20110120/NEWS02/101200389/Federal-grant-will-allow-White-Plains-to-fill-jobs-of-pink-slipped-firefighters

[Alpinerunner 61]

Great news! Too bad it came to that. And let's hope WP can get their finances and priorities together before the grant money runs out or they will be in the same place a year from now.

[efdcapt115 1,511]

The grant, from the Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Is this the "new SAFER"? If so, a majority of the funding will be in place for three years.

[Alpinerunner 61]

Is this the "new SAFER"? If so, a majority of the funding will be in place for three years.

It sounds like it. If so, the grant is spread out over a few years, with the city eventually taking over 100% of the compensation package. In that case it might buy the city a couple years to get things in order.

[Bnechis 3,961]

"New" = 2 years 100% on the Feds. No match from WP.

[efdcapt115 1,511]

"New" = 2 years 100% on the Feds. No match from WP.

I'm repping the Feds here....

[wraftery 1,275]

Was the layoff a chess move on the part of the city to get fed funds?

If so, it was played at the expense of young cops and ff's with families and bills to pay

[fd75 0]

The legislation seems to encourage layoffs so that cities get a free ride for a few years. Perhaps with the rehires, White Plains might be able to keep the 3rd ladder company in service. White Plains will be tested with a major high rise fire one day. Be interesting to see the results.