From the Chicago Tribune: Touching on what could become a hot-button issue in Mayor Rahm Emanuel's upcoming negotiations with the firefighters union, Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff said that fire-related fatalities would rise if the city reduces the number of firefighters per truck.

Hoff said he is "adamant" in his opposition to lowering the minimum staffing on all trucks to four to save money in coming years.

Inspector General Joseph Ferguson has said that lowering the standard would save about $57 million a year, while also noting such a reduction could pose a safety hazard in an urban area like Chicago.

Hoff also said he opposes a host of other potential changes that could be the subject of union negotiations. Read the entire article here.