Firefighters return to Philadelphia City Council to send message on transfers

Philadelphia firefighters are turning to City Council to try to stop veteran members from being moved to new firehouses.

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers says the transfers of almost 300 veteran firefighters are important to move the department forward and give young firefighters valuable experience.

“Things are changing, which is one of the reasons that this is happening and that this is going to be the best thing not only for the members but for the citizens of Philadelphia,” Ayers testified.

Members of council repeatedly asked for a delay of the transfers which would relocate up to 20 percent of firefighters to new assignments.

Councilman Jim Kenney says he doesn’t get it.

“It makes no sense to anybody I’ve talked to outside this department when I explain to them what they are doing they say why, what’s that about, what’s going on,” said Kenney. “People who are former commissioners current commissioners, people from other city’s are asking what are you guys doing down there.”

Fire Commissioner Ayers says he will not change the policy but will take the testimony under advisement.