Firefighters and residents urge review of EMS staffing as city funds LOSAP increase for volunteers

A resident who identified herself as an FDNY battalion chief told the council that Long Beach’s mix of paid and volunteer fire/EMS resources makes the city uniquely vulnerable and urged a review of staffing policy to avoid foreseeable tragedies.

Tanya Madonna said the city routinely moves manpower between units and at times leaves engines or ambulances dangerously understaffed, describing an earlier house fire where only two paid firefighters were aboard a paid engine; she urged creation of an independent advisory board of experienced fire and EMS professionals to assess staffing and response policies.

Fire Department representatives and the council replied that the city has increased paid staffing over recent years, hiring additional cross‑trained firefighters/EMS personnel, and that volunteers continue to provide reliable support. The fire chief said EMS calls comprise about 78% of department activity and that cross‑training and volunteer response are central to current operations.

Separately on the agenda, the council approved a budget transfer to cover an increase in the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) administration cost managed by Hometown Firefighter Services. Staff said LOSAP costs are just under $160,000 this year and requested a $40,000 transfer from the fire overtime line to cover the difference; program staff explained LOSAP provides retirement‑style payouts to volunteers after point accrual over a 20‑year period and distribution at age 65 as a retention tool.

Council members committed to continued review of staffing and to consider public input and expert advice on response policies and volunteer recruitment.