Judge lifts injunction against ACFD contract cuts

Ruling saves 125 firefighter jobs... for now

The state's cuts to Atlantic City firefighters' contracts can move forward next week, but an injunction remains against cutting personnel, Judge Julio Mendez said in a split decision released Friday. The cuts to pay and changes in benefits and hours can take effect at the close of business Monday, Mendez ruled. But the reduction of the force by 125 -- or nearly half -- cannot happen yet. Fire Chief Scott Evans said he wants to have a study done to determine what the proposed personnel cuts could mean for how his department operates. Mendez ordered the two sides to "meet as often as possible," and at least once a month to discuss the proposals. A case management conference via telephone is set for 10 a.m. May 16. The fire union declined comment until they have a chance to talk to their lawyers. A short time later, Mendez granted a temporary restraint order on changes to the police contract. In a letter sent Tuesday, state overseer Jeffrey Chiesa called for salary reductions along with increases in hours and higher overtime requirements. The call is also for 70 percent of pay under Workers Compensation, which previously paid an officer injured in the line of duty his or her full salary. Officer Josh Vadell, who was shot in the head in September, said he has yet to hear from the state about a statement to the media saying he would get his full pay. Vadell was in City Council chambers Friday for a campaign kick off to get the word out about the possible dangers of public safety cuts. The state also wants to bring the current police force to 250, a cut of 24 current jobs. It's unclear how that would impact the Class II officers in the city, who serve in a part-time hourly basis, and by statute are not supposed to supplement to allow layoffs. Vadell noted that his partner, Tommy McCabe, was just honored for his heroism in the same week that he learned he could also lose his job to layoff.