Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers defended the proposed deactivation of seven fire companies, saying that overall staffing in the 2,400-member department would be maintained and service would not suffer. According to the Inquirer, Ayers presented maps, tables, charts and graphs to justify the department closings designed to ease the strain on the city's budget. As many as to 148 firefighters will be reassigned under the plan.

Everett Gillison, deputy mayor for public safety, says the plan will save the city approximately $10.5 million a year because firefighters from the targeted companies would be reassigned to fill jobs now filled through overtime.

Councilman Frank DiCicco told the paper, "No matter what we say or do, our constituents will feel they are being exposed to certain dangers. But at least we aren't closing the stations."