Facebook post from the Professional Fire Fighters of Londonderry Local 3160 1/2/2025
Citizens of Londonderry,
We, the members of the Professional Firefighters of Londonderry Local 3160, are writing to address recent misconceptions surrounding our efforts to achieve proper staffing levels. Unfortunately, we’ve received reports that rumors suggesting our concerns are about overtime or “padding our pensions” are being propagated by high ranking members of the town and even some former high ranking members of our own organization. This is extremely disheartening, as it undermines the trust and unity we strive to maintain with both the public and our colleagues.
Let us be clear: our fight is not about personal gain. It is about ensuring the safety and well-being of the community we serve and the firefighters who serve it. Proper staffing is critical to executing our mission: to provide the highest level of service and care to the citizens we have sworn to protect.
In March, the citizens of Londonderry gave the Town Council an overwhelmingly supported mandate to staff the Fire Department with 13 firefighters on duty 24/7/365. This mandate represents the will of the people, who understand the importance of adequate staffing for their safety and that of their families. Yet, despite this clear directive, the Town Council has failed to take the voters’ mandate seriously. This lack of action is precisely why Local 3160 continues to advocate not for ourselves, but for the citizens of Londonderry. We are here to ensure their voices are heard and their safety is prioritized.
While we recognize that the current staffing level of 13 is still below the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard, we are making a concerted effort to balance our requests with an understanding of the financial challenges faced by the citizens of Londonderry.
When staffing falls short, response times increase, operational efficiency is compromised, and safety risks both to the public and to our firefighters grow significantly. Whether it’s responding to a house fire, a medical emergency, or a hazardous situation, having the right number of trained professionals on the scene can be the difference between successful outcomes and potential tragedy.
Hearing such misleading narratives from those who should understand the complexities and risks of this profession is disheartening and counterproductive. Our members are not fighting for financial perks or personal benefits; we are advocating for the tools and resources necessary to perform our duties effectively and safely not only for the citizens we serve but also for the families who depend on us to come home safely at the end of every shift.
We are deeply committed to this community. Every member of this department chose this profession out of a desire to help others, often placing ourselves in harm’s way to do so. What we seek is simply the support needed to perform our duties at the highest standard possible.
We ask for your continued trust and understanding as we work to serve you with courage, compassion, and professionalism. Together, we can ensure a safer and stronger future for everyone.
Sincerely,
Christopher A. Schofield
President
Local 3160