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Commissioners: Who Would Go In Layoffs
Ramsey: Less Senior Officers Would Be First To Go
The city's budget crisis is threatening the future of Philadelphia's police and fire departments.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said if the city doesn't get help from Harrisburg, hundreds of police officers and firefighters will lose their jobs.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey told "Good Day," "We are going to have a tremendous crisis on our hands." Ramsey said preparations are already being made. He said cuts will be made according to seniority. The newest officers will be the first to go. Ramsey said the 12th, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th districts will be impacted the most. Philadelphia currently has 6,600 police officers. Ramsey said within the next year, the force could be reduced by 1,000. He said "places where we need them the most will suffer."
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers told "Good Day," his force could lose two-hundred people. Ayers said fire deaths in the city are down 25-percent. He said cuts "will impact response time."
Commissioner Ramsey is urging the public to speak up "and get us what what we need."
Mayor Nutter has asked lawmakers in Harrisburg to allow the city to increase its sales tax and defer payments to the pension plan in an effort to increase revenue. Lawmakers have yet to decide. Nutter said if a plan isn't in place by August 15th, the layoffs will begin.
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