***** I WILL BE UPDATING THIS GALLERY REGULARLY WITH NEW IMAGES IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS *****

BRIDGEPORT, CT - Bridgeport’s City Government has stated that it plans to close Engine Company 5. In a letter sent to the Bridgeport Fire Department, Bridgeport Fire Local 834, and other city officials dated October 3, 2005, it was stated that Engine Company 5 will be closed as of 8:00am on October 14, 2005. City officials claim that they are taking this measure to reduce overtime and offset a 1.2 million-dollar budget deficit. The city also plans to hire 16 more firefighters later in October, and has reduced the Fire Marshal’s Division by four positions. The firefighters from Engine 5, as well as the fire marshals that are being demoted, will be redistributed throughout the department. The City’s fire department will now be reduced from the previous 10 engine status, to 9 engines, and the 65 firefighter shift citywide will be reduced to 61.

For more information on the closing, visit these links to various news articles (most recent will be posted on top):

Company closing deplored
AARON LEO aleo@ctpost.com
http://www.connpost.com/news/ci_3110839

Groups question Engine Co. 5 closing
AARON LEO aleo@ctpost.com
http://www.connpost.com/news/ci_3095069

Fire union claims cut may reduce response time (Bridgeport to eliminate Engine 5 Needed to cover budget hole)
AARON LEO aleo@ctpost.com
http://www.connpost.com/news/ci_3088378