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(Portland, Ore.) Members of the Portland Fire Fighters’ Association will rally Monday, May 18, at 9 a.m. outside Portland City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave., to oppose Mayor Wilson’s proposed budget cuts to Portland Fire & Rescue. The proposed cuts would eliminate Engine 22 in St. Johns and reduce the number of frontline firefighters on duty overnight. “Eliminating fire trucks and firefighters means people who call 911 will wait longer for help,” said Isaac McLennan, president of the Portland Fire Fighters’ Association, Local 43. “These cuts would reduce emergency response capacity and put public safety at risk.” Engine 22 provides critical fire and medical response coverage to the St. Johns community and surrounding areas. Cutting this company would increase response times and reduce emergency coverage capacity in North Portland. While Fire Station 22 would remain open, it would no longer have an engine available to respond to fires. PFFA is also urging the city to maintain current firefighter staffing levels and preserve key emergency response resources, including: • Engine 22 in St. Johns • Three rescue units serving Southeast and East Portland • The Community Health Assess and Treat (CHAT) program City fiscal guidance and Portland Fire & Rescue leadership have warned the proposed cuts would negatively impact frontline emergency services and public safety coverage. “We are calling on the Mayor and City leaders to restore this funding because we cannot keep our communities safe if basic lifesaving services are cut,” said McLennan. Media Contact: Christine Miles 971-563-3753ge.