CLEVELAND, April 19, 2006 – To continue to provide for the safety of the citizens and businesses of Cleveland, the Division of Fire is implementing a deployment plan that will provide quality fire service to the entire City. The deployment plan will allow the Hazardous Materials Response Unit to remain a cohesive unit, maintain Engine Company No. 42, and calls for a temporary "brown out" of Hook & Ladder No. 42.
"This deployment plan represents the best use of resources city-wide. We began developing this plan in 2004 and since then we have had significant debate, neighborhood meetings and community input surrounding our options. The Chief's challenge was to put together the best plan possible and this is it," said Safety Director Martin Flask.
The Hazardous Materials Response Unit now operates as a cohesive unit at Station No. 13, 4950 Broadway Avenue and is now able to conduct daily drills. The "brown out" of Hook & Ladder No. 42, 4665 Pearl Road, will be in effect until whichever comes first: the Fulton Road Bridge closes or the City is able to redeploy firefighters currently assigned to the Communications Center to fire companies in the neighborhoods.
Fire service in the Old Brooklyn area will be maintained by Engine Company No. 42 (Station 42), and Engine Company No. 20 and Hook & Ladder No. 20 (3765 Pearl Road).
"The community of Old Brooklyn voiced concerns about the level of service and safety that the City could provide without Hook & Ladder No. 42 when the bridge closes," said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. "We heard their concerns, took them very seriously and came up with a solution that addresses their concerns and the needs of the entire city."
Last week, the Jackson Administration was prepared to implement the deployment plan when Cleveland City Council President Martin J. Sweeney and Councilman Kevin J. Kelley, Ward 16, asked for more time to consider alternative solutions, including redeployment of the 35 firefighters currently assigned to the Communications Center.
