FDNY says vaccine mandates could lead to 20% drop in ambulances and fire stations

WASHINGTON (TND) — Swaths of New York City workers, including firefighters, police officers and ambulance employees, remain unvaccinated leading up to the city’s Oct. 29 deadline, at which point all city employees must have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) fears that come Nov. 1, potentially as many as 20% of the fire companies in New York City could be shut down, and 20% fewer ambulances may be on the road.

The Department must manage the unfortunate fact that a portion of our workforce has refused to comply with a vaccine mandate for all city employees,” said FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “We will use all means at our disposal, including mandatory overtime, mutual aid from other EMS providers, and significant changes to the schedules of our members. We will ensure the continuity of operations and safety of all those we have sworn oaths to serve.

Information from the FDNY obtained by The National Desk (TND) indicated the necessary changes needed to fill the gaps include; mandatory overtime to fill staffing needs; canceled vacations; returning uniformed members currently in offline positions to the field; help from volunteers and continued insistence from leaders that city workers get vaccinated.

A dire scenario could be at play in New York City, a place where homicides spiked during the pandemic to their highest number since 2011, according to the Associated Press. New York City Police Department (NYPD) statistics show that over the last two years crime complaints about murder have risen almost 40%.

Last week, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all city employees. The mandate indicated that following its Oct. 29 deadline any remaining unvaccinated employees will be put on unpaid leave until they can show proof to their supervisor that they’ve received at least a first dose.

The latest data from the city obtained by TND indicates that 32% of the FDNY remain unvaccinated. A tweet on Wednesday from NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea indicates 25% of the NYPD remain unvaccinated.

The citywide average of municipal workers is 84%, according to city statistics reported by local and national outlets.