KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Fresno Reacts to Massive Layoffs, Fire Stations Closings

Fresno Reacts to Massive Layoffs, Fire Stations Closings

By: Ashley Ritchie

Sherry Smith was sitting in her northwest Fresno home Thursday afternoon when news of the city's massive budget cuts came across her computer.

"I literally burst into tears when I heard station 18. It just breaks my heart," she said tearing up.

Just last April, fire station 16, the closest to Smith's house moved two miles further away.

Now, with the closing of station 18, which is also nearby, Smith says, she's scared that response times will suffer.

"In 15 seconds this room could be engulfed. Now what do you do when you have three children, who do you choose that you pull out first?" She asked.

Fire station 10, near Fresno-Yosemite International Airport is also set to close down January 1st.

"It lessens the number of firefighters on the streets and it lessens the amount of equipment that can arrive in a timely manner," Smith said.

"I work in the business office. We're in charge of all the money. So I kind of knew things were gonna be happening. But I was surprised the extent of it," Annette Adams, who works as a senior account clerk with the Fresno Police Department, said.

Over at the Fresno Police Department, the news wasn't any better.

Employees gathered to pray after 20 cadets, 26 community service officers and a handful dispatchers received their pink slips.

"People don't know what to do or what to say except be there for one another," Adams said.

Adams' job was transferred to another department.

But she's just happy it's still there.

"I'm one of the lucky ones that got to keep their job. But all those people that didn't, or are having to demote, you're in my thoughts," Adams said.

Back at Sherry Smith's home, she fears January 1st.

"I'm gonna feel a lot less protected. My community was left behind," Smith said.

And now this community must deal with the back draft of a budget out of control.

Again, the last day stations 10 and 18 will be in service is December 31st.

The firefighters at those stations will then cover shifts around town made open by the mandatory furloughs.