LONDONDERRY – Christopher Schofield, president of firefighters union Local 3160, recently dispelled rumors swirling around town that the Fire Department is only concerned about overtime compensation and bolstering pensions.

“This is extremely disheartening, as it undermines the trust and unity we strive to maintain with both the public and our colleagues,” Schofield said in a Jan. 2 post on the union’s Facebook page. “Let us be clear, our fight is not about personal gain. It is about ensuring the safety and well-being of the community we serve and the firefighters who serve it. Proper staffing is critical to executing our mission.”

During Town Meeting in March 2024, 70 percent of residents voted to approve the allocation of $495,000 to hire four firefighters. This ensured that 13 firefighters would be on duty at all times.

“This mandate represents the will of the people,” said Schofield. “Despite this clear directive, the Town Council failed to take the voters’ mandate seriously.”

In the months that followed, Town Manager Michael Malaguti informed Fire Chief Bo Butler that the department’s overtime expenditures had soared $200,000 over budget. Schofield said Malaguti instructed Butler to cut two firefighter positions and “threatened him with disciplinary action.” However, rather than eliminate two positions, Butler resigned from the department in October 2024.

“While we recognize that the current staffing level of 13 is still below the National Fire Protection Association standard, we are making a concerted effort to balance our requests with an understanding of the financial challenges faced by the citizens of Londonderry,” said Schofield.

He also highlighted the risks associated with having fewer firefighters on duty.

“When staffing falls short, response times increase, operational efficiency is compromised and safety risks both to the public and to our firefighters grow significantly,” said Schofield. “Whether it’s responding to a house fire, a medical emergency or a hazardous situation, having the right number of trained professionals on the scene can be the difference between successful outcomes and potential tragedy.”