This chapter is a description of events surrounding the closing of fire engine 212 in November of 1975. The chapter begins by mentioning the four main components that were incorporated in or relevant to the ongoing struggles to maintain fire departments during the aforementioned time period. These components can be summarized as follows 1) The apparent dangers of fire (especially in the 1970’s where fires played a major role in the hindrance of many neighborhoods), 2) the widespread opposition to the closing of fire stations in New York, 3) the struggles of the urban working class/poor to have a political voice and 4) union influence in these events.
To briefly put the discussed events into perspective, a quick analysis of the time period is necessary. In essence, the economic conditions of the 1970’s led to the deterioration of many of the neighborhoods in New York. This deterioration was expedited by increases in the number of fires (many of which were caused by arsonists/ caused intentionally). In addition the economic conditions led to government agencies aiming to close down fire stations, and of course they leaned to closing down the fire stations in these seemingly deteriorating neighborhoods, regardless of the fact that many of these neighborhoods needed the protection the most.
With those pieces of information laid out, the chapter moves into analysis of the events surrounding the closing, and eventual reopening, of Engine 212, which is located in the Northside of Williamsburg. The chapter highlights the role of the NNC (the Northside Neighborhood Committee), the role of the media/politicians, the role of significant figures in the process and the role of the people in the neighborhood. It is important to consider that the process took approximately a year and a half to complete therefore a great deal of time, effort and support went into getting the station to become a functioning part of the neighborhood once again.
With that being said about what the chapter tells us, here are some potential questions for discussion:
1) What was the role of the aforementioned groups? A: Politicians used the station to gain political support, the media helped to gain support from other neighborhoods who were experiencing similar situations, the NNC helped to establish the public voice of the community in the matter, the people in neighborhood banned together to increase their political ability and key figures like the Poulaskis (Jeff and Sandra) helped to expand support and put a face on the movement.
2) What role did unions and the firefighters themselves play? A: The firefighters and their Unions helped to provide an inside voice on the matter. The information provided through the support of these groups proved to be crucial on the governments altering of policy and changing of decisions in the matter (such as the statement on pg.175 made by the president of the dispatchers union).
3) What do events like these tell us about public voice? About community? About generating change?
4) What was the role of ethnicity and race in this event? A: Didn’t really play a role here. This is significant because of the fact that race didn’t influence this like it had influence so many events during this time period.
5) What can be said about the issue of deteriorating neighborhoods in the time? A: From this event, and the information in this chapter, we can say that poverty and racism weren’t the only causes of deterioration. Public policy many times led to increased deterioration because of the lack of support for certain neighborhoods. The quotes provided on pgs. 166, 167,168 and 164/165 all show the opinions behind public policy and how they influence the condition of neighborhoods.
