Hamtramck to lose 12 firefighters Monday

Firefighters union votes down concessions

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – On Monday, a dozen Hamtramck firefighters will be handed a pink slip.

At noon, the city is moving forward with the layoffs, which equate to 44 percent of its department, after firefighters voted down concessions.

There will only be 15 firefighters left to stand watch over the city's more than 22,000 population.

Hamtramck could secure a $1.25 million federal grant to stop the layoffs, but only if the firefighters had agreed to kick in more money for their health insurance.

"The union spoke and we have to go forward with that," said Hamtramck Firefighters Association president Lt. William Diamond.

Diamond said the firefighters are willing to make concessions, just not the ones the city wants right now.  

"The wear and tear on the mental and physical stress on the remaining 15 firefighters will get to us if it goes on a permanent basis," Diamond said. "The health and safety of not only the firefighters but the city could be at risk."