The FDNY today reduced staffing by one firefighter on 60 of its engines so that all 194 engines will be staffed with four firefighters and one officer. While no firefighters will be laid off, the move will save the department approximately $30 million in overtime needed to staff the fifth firefighter position. The change comes on the cusp of the FDNY's 15-year agreement with the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) that expires at midnight tonight.

The staffing reduction was approved in last year's budget when the city gave notice to the UFA that it would discontinue its roster staffing agreement that provided for the fifth firefighter on 60 engines. The change doesn’t affect the number of personnel on the departments 143 ladder companies, which be staffed with five firefighters and one officer. The city has in the last seven years reduced the 60 engine staffing level four times due to high rates of firefighter medical leave, a change provided for in the original 1996 Roster Staffing agreement, according to the department.

"We just recorded the fewest fire deaths on record and our response time to fires is the fastest ever," Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano said in a statement. "Our number one commitment to this city has always been and continues to be the safety of New Yorkers."