Elyria firefighters go to bat for co-workers; layoffs doused

ELYRIA -- The economy is forcing layoffs in almost every business, but in Elyria, cutting 10 firefighters would jeopardize citizen safety, the well-being of the remaining members on the fire department and bring the closing of three of the four stations operating in the city.

With the city's purse strings tight, Elyria firefighters have come up with their own way to extinguish the flames of this financial threat.

After three and half years on the department, Chris Chapman had to explain to his wife that, despite all the sacrifice to get here, his job went up in smoke.

"It's tough times so not a lot of fire departments are going through the hiring phase. So there would probably be some time and some distance before I would get on another department," Chapman said.

A mother of four, Molly Adkins earned the distinction of being the first woman on the Elyira Fire Department.

"I was ecstatic. It's what you work for when you're in this business and get on a full-time job," Adkins said.

Four months later and her time was up.

"It was kinda shocking. You know there is always a risk with the economy, but this was shocking," Adkins said.

For Chris, Molly and eight other young firefighters, senior members intend to take voluntary cuts in clothing allowances, hazard pay and overtime to keep them on.

"We need them as much as they need us. It's something we're willing to do. It's a brotherhood," Union President Dean Marks said.

The voluntary cuts would save the city enough cash to pay the 10 firefighters through the end of 2009.

"We care about the community and care about our fellow firefighters," Chapman said.

"It makes me want to work even harder, learn the job better and make them proud because they went to bat for us," Adkins said.

Marks says the city has signed off on the voluntary cuts and agreed to keep the firefighters on staff.

Next Thursday, the entire membership will vote on the agreement. It is expected to pass.