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Residents, union leaders press city on Code Blue shelter access and firefighter mutual‑aid staffing
Summary
Public commentators and the firefighters’ union raised concerns about shelter availability during frigid weather, staffing at Weston Field and expanded mutual‑aid responses to neighboring boroughs; council members pledged follow‑up with administration.
Multiple speakers at the Feb. 18 Scranton City Council meeting urged the city to ensure shelter access during extreme cold and to address fire‑department staffing and mutual‑aid arrangements.
Joan Juarez, a city resident, asked whether the city had addressed “all the kinks” in its Code Blue protocol after forecasts called for subzero wind chills. Juarez asked specifically about staffing at Weston Field and whether people displaced from the field would have clear directions on where to go when shelters are unavailable; she urged the city to publicize volunteer certification information so more people could assist if staffing shortages persist. Council members responded that a new administrator is expected to arrive in two weeks and that the administration would follow up on staffing and communications.
Alan Lucas, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 60, told council that the union was blindsided by an administration email indicating Scranton units would respond to third‑alarm structure fires in Moscow and North Pocono and to increased alarm requests at the regional airport. Lucas raised safety and staffing concerns, asked whether the city is being reimbursed by neighboring boroughs for apparatus sent outside the city, and asked who would be liable if a firefighter were injured while responding out of city limits.
Council members said they would seek answers from the administration. Council member Voldenberg and others asked staff to check reimbursement records and insurance coverage and to report back. Council member McCandrew and others emphasized the need for the union to have a seat at planning discussions about expanded mutual aid so operational impacts on Scranton residents and firefighter safety are considered.
Residents and council members also raised related questions about outreach to homeless populations during extreme cold, local shelter capacity and who is coordinating Code Blue operations; council asked the administration to provide details on public notice and shelter locations.
