FINDLAY, OH (Toledo News Now) - Several Findlay firefighters whose jobs were on the line have been saved after a unanimous vote by city council Tuesday.
The original plan was to lay off 20 firefighters and close Fire Station No. 4 in Findlay due to budget deficits, but Mayor Lydia Mihalik recently sent a letter to council saying the economy had improved enough to save nine of the positions and keep the station open.
Findlay resident Mark Washington was saved by firefighters after a heart attack and three strokes last September. He urged council to keep firefighter jobs.
"If they hadn't done their job in a professional, timely manner, I wouldn't be standing here today," Washington said.
City council members voted unanimously to approve the mayor's recommendation to save nine jobs and keep the station open. One of the firefighters saved was the department's union president.
"It's not about me," said Matt Cooper. "It's about this city. It's about these 20. It's about the opportunity to keep this community safe. With the reduction of 20, it's impossible."
Even though nine were saved, council members agreed there isn't enough money to keep them on the rest of the year, and finances will have to be watched very closely.
Fire Chief Thomas Lonyo wasn't celebrating after the vote. He was visibly angry, saying he still has 11 firefighters whose layoff notices take effect this Sunday.
