City of Stockton Jeopardizes Resident’s Safety — Illegally Closes Ladder Truck Company #4

The City of Stockton informed Stockton Professional Firefighters, Local 456 that it will be closing Ladder Truck Company #4, located on Pacific Avenue, in violation of its existing contract with firefighters and the City Charter. At the height of fire season, and just before the Fourth of July holiday, the City of Stockton has decided to unilaterally close Truck 4, Firefighters are seeking the assistance from San Joaquin County courts to halt the closure pending the outcome of arbitration.

Stockton firefighters cannot sit back and watch while the City of Stockton deliberately chooses to jeopardize the safety of our residents and firefighters,” said Dave Macedo, President of Stockton Professional Firefighters Local 456.  “We are disappointed that it has come to this, and we do not take this step lightly, but we feel this is a necessary step to preserve the fire protection and medical services the City Council promised Stockton residents and firefighters.”

Ladder Truck Company 4 (Ladder 4) serves the largest population concentration of any district in the City of Stockton.  Ladder 4 is the first due ladder Truck Company for almost 82,000 full-time residents in central Stockton.  It serves Webberstown and Sherwood mall, as well as the University of Pacific and Delta College.

Truck companies specialize in rescue operations, specifically for fires and vehicle extractions.  Firefighters who staff Ladder Trucks utilize the “Jaws of Life,” to rescue trapped victims and are primarily responsible for entering smoke-filled buildings to rescue trapped victims and firefighters.  Truck companies also function as the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) providing the manpower and equipment necessary to rescue downed or missing firefighters. Because Stockton only has four truck companies, the closure of Ladder 4 significantly cripples the Fire Department’s rescue capability and will increase response times to fire and medical emergencies.

“Last year, Ladder 4 responded to 978 emergencies,” Macedo stated.  “Now engines and trucks from other parts of the City will need to respond to Ladder 4’s calls, leaving large portions of the City uncovered. The risk to public safety is too severe.”

The City of Stockton informed Stockton Professional Firefighters, Local 456 that it will be closing Ladder Truck Company #4, located on Pacific Avenue, in violation of its existing contract with firefighters and the City Charter.  At the height of fire season, and just before the Fourth of July holiday, the City of Stockton has decided to unilaterally close Truck 4, Firefighters are seeking the assistance from San Joaquin County courts to halt the closure pending the outcome of arbitration.

“Stockton firefighters cannot sit back and watch while the City of Stockton deliberately chooses to jeopardize the safety of our residents and firefighters,” said Dave Macedo, President of Stockton Professional Firefighters Local 456. “We are disappointed that it has come to this, and we do not take this step lightly, but we feel this is a necessary step to preserve the fire protection and medical services the City Council promised Stockton residents and firefighters.”

Ladder Truck Company 4 (Ladder 4) serves the largest population concentration of any district in the City of Stockton. Ladder 4 is the first due ladder Truck Company for almost 82,000 full-time residents in central Stockton. It serves Webberstown and Sherwood mall, as well as the University of Pacific and Delta College.  Truck companies specialize in rescue operations, specifically for fires and vehicle extractions.  Firefighters who staff Ladder Trucks utilize the “Jaws of Life,” to rescue trapped victims and are primarily responsible for entering smoke-filled buildings to rescue trapped victims and firefighters.  Truck companies also function as the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) providing the manpower and equipment necessary to rescue downed or missing firefighters. Because Stockton only has four truck companies, the closure of Ladder 4 significantly cripples the Fire Department’s rescue capability and will increase response times to fire and medical emergencies. “Last year, Ladder 4 responded to 978 emergencies,” Macedo stated. “Now engines and trucks from other parts of the City will need to respond to Ladder 4’s calls, leaving large portions of the City uncovered. The risk to public safety is too severe.”