Reno to lay off 35 firefighters, brown out 3rd station

KTVN

RENO, Nev. — Officials with the City of Reno say denied federal funds could mean layoffs for nearly three dozen employees at the Reno Fire Department.

Fire officials say a Federal Department of Emergency Management Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant will not receive money due to funding limitations.

That will result in changes for Reno Fire Department's day-to-day operations. 266 firefighters work for the City of Reno — including administration and prevention staff. The layoffs are determined by seniority affecting firefighters that were hired most recently. "You've been here 6,7,8,9 years, serving our community and unfortunately, come July 1, we're going to have to give you a pink slip. That's probably one of the most difficult things, as Chief, that I have to do," says Chief Michael Hernandez.

Full story: Reno Fire Department Faces Budget Cuts, 35 Layoffs