A performance audit of Pittsburgh’s Bureau of Fire reveals the number of female firefighters is significantly lower than the national average. Just 1% of the city's firefighters are women, compared with 5% nationwide. A factor may be firefighters are the only full-time City employees without paid parental leave.
Pittsburgh Council could change that.
In addition to recruiting more females, in 2017, the city received a plan to make $16 million in needed repairs at all firehouses. The audit shows miniscule progress. Thankfully, there’s about $9.5 million set aside for repairs this year at four fire stations.
Last spring, the head of the firefighter's union said 13 new engines were needed to replace aging engines at a cost of $1 million each. The mayor’s 2024 budget calls for nearly $5 million in spending for new ladder and pumper trucks, some which will be leased.
The tide is turning for a neglected Public Safety department.
We urge the mayor and city council to approve the 2024 spending and stay on the same course in 2025.
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