In 2018, voters overwhelmingly approved Measure T to open a new fire station in a neighborhood in dire need of emergency services. Nearly a decade later, the new Station 32 is near competition; but now, the San Jose City Council and Mayor are threatening to make $6 million in budget cuts to the Fire Department that would prevent the station from opening.

This new station is critical to improving emergency response in our city. If opened, it will immediately become one of the busiest fire stations in San Jose and be home to both an engine and truck company. These resources are necessary to relieve stress on the City’s emergency system that will allow firefighters to quickly respond to emergencies, lower response times and improve service throughout the City.

Voters passed Measure T with the understanding that city leaders would deliver on their promises to improve public safety in San Jose. The city has spent the money to build the station, but now our leaders are considering cuts that would prevent it from opening. This, in addition to the recent closure of Fire Station 33, will push our ability to respond to life-threatening emergencies to the limit.

San Jose Firefighters are already suffer from limited financial resources and have not recovered from cuts made in the 2008 recession. Today, there are fewer people on staff in the department than there were 20 years ago. The San Jose Fire Department is one of the busiest departments in the country, with fewer firefighter per resident than most large U.S. cities. Further budget cuts would harm our ability to deliver the emergency services residents deserve.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. Tell the City Council and Mayor to open station 32 and stop harmful cuts to the fire department.