Malliotakis, Borelli: Cancel Mandate & Reopen Firehouses Now

Press Release

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and New York City Councilman Joe Borelli, Chair of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, urged New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to immediately reverse his overreaching COVID-19 vaccine mandate which has led to the closure of 26 FDNY stations across New York City and a shortage of thousands of city employees.

"As of 7:30 this morning, 26 FDNY stations, including five in my district, have closed due to Mayor de Blasio's decision to lock unvaccinated firefighters out of work," said CongresswomanMalliotakis. "The shortage of potentially thousands of firefighters will undoubtedly result in longer response times, leading to an increased potential for injury or death. Likewise, at a time when crime is skyrocketing, our city simply cannot afford to lose experienced detectives, police officers, and first responders. I urge the Mayor to reverse this mandate immediately before someone is hurt as a result. If not, I fear the consequences will be dire."

"I'm not sure anyone cares the vaccine status of a first responder as they apply defibrillators to their chest, and I can say for certain that first responders aren't checking the vaccine cards of those they are trying to save," said Borelli. "The mayor's mandates have made the city less safe and, and we are losing only employees that have been tested within the week and do not have Covid. It makes little sense."

According to the Uniformed Firefighters Association, the following FDNY stations have closed due to no manpower:

Manhattan: E55, E59, L18, L21, L34, L36

Brooklyn: E219, E231, E234, E239, E309, E332, L146, L149, L176

Queens: E286, E287, L128

Bronx: E46, E48, E73, L17

Staten Island: E152, E158, L78, L86

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