Truck 10 to stay open

Baltimore City Fire Department Truck Company 10 will remain open. The potential closure of the fire station has been a topic of discussion as departments in the city began to struggle with funding several years ago.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says she has made keeping as many of the fire stations open as possible a priority of her office. As a result of a loss of funding, five fire companies were closed in 2009, three in 2011 and two thus far in 2012. While the stations have closed, the mayor says jobs of firefighters and EMTs were not lost.

The saving of Truck Company 10, the mayor says, makes sense as overdue money from the Grand Prix of Baltimore hit city accounts and the mayor’s office began to look at ways to maintain public safety.

“This administration will not take shortcuts when it comes to public safety and essential city services, even in difficult times,” Mayor Rawlings-Blake said. “I’m pleased that these critical investments have made Baltimore better, safer and stronger over the last two and a half years. “

According to the mayor’s office, approximately $500,000 in overdue admissions and amusement taxes were received from the 2011 Grand Prix of Baltimore as well as more than $300,000 in fees related to the 2012 event.

Karlyn Broy has lived in the neighborhood that surrounds Truck Company 10 for nearly her entire life. She sees the importance in keeping the fire station open and lists it among her three things that should never close in a community – schools, libraries and fire stations.

“I think it means a lot to the neighborhood,” she said. “Because, they have closed down several fire stations, and Truck 10 is the only fire station ...in the community. Other than this fire station, the only other fire station is up on Madison Avenue.”