Pennsylvania Fire Chief Hopes Grant Will Bring Back Laid-Off Firefighters
May 01—For as long as he can remember, Cliff Frederick has wanted to be a firefighter.
There's just something appealing about coming to the rescue of people in trouble, he said.
"When I go see St. Peter, I can tell him I tried to do something with my life," Frederick, 32, said.
He started pursuing that dream in 2006, soon after he left the Air Force. But full-time firefighter jobs aren't easy to land, and it took Frederick eight years to achieve his dream.
In June of last year, he became a York City firefighter.
Six months later, he and the three other most recently hired firefighters were laid off—the victims of the city's financial belt-tightening.
Now, Fire Chief David Michaels is hoping to bring the four firefighters back to the department.
The department has applied for a grant through the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Michaels has asked for about $800,000—enough to cover the cost of four salaries and associated benefits over two years.
If the grant is awarded, the York City Fire Department would once again have 56 firefighters, including the chief.
Michaels said he has reason to be optimistic, as the grant program prioritizes departments with laid-off firefighters.
He expects the first round of funding to be awarded in early summer.
Michaels said he has stayed in touch with the four firefighters over the past few months. As far as he knows, each of the four is eagerly awaiting a chance to return to work.
They've been able to collect unemployment benefits, though that will eventually expire. Some have picked up part-time jobs while they wait.
"Right now, they're in good spirits and hanging in there," Michaels said. "I think they're anxious to get back."
Frederick, who bought a house in the city soon after he was hired, said he continues to attend union meetings. He helped the department deliver meals on Easter.
"Am I waiting and hoping? Most definitely," Frederick said. "I'm going back eventually."
Copyright 2015 - The York Dispatch, Pa.
