Malliotakis: Ladder & Engine Companies Across NYC Continue to Close, Bath Beach Firehouse Out of Service

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) reiterated her calls for Mayor de Blasio to lift the COVID-19 vaccine mandate the city has placed on all municipal employees, including NYPD and FDNY officers, following news that a firehouse in Brooklyn has closed. Thus far, the city's mandate has led to the closure of dozens of FDNY companies across New York City since Friday, and a shortage of thousands of city employees. Some firefighters are working multiple shifts, totaling more than 24 hours, which is a violation of safety standards.

"Earlier today, the public was notified by Uniformed Firefighters Association, which represents New York City firefighters, that members of Engine 243 and Ladder 168 have been turned away from their firehouse that serves the neighborhoods of Bath Beach and Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in my district. With members being sent home, this firehouse was out of service. There are a number of Engine and Ladder companies in my district and across New York City that are closed.

"The Mayor's vaccine mandate has now created a life or death situation for residents of New York City who may need access to timely emergency services. If something unfortunate happens to any of my constituents as a result of slower response times caused by this mandate, I will hold the Mayor personally responsible. The Mayor should immediately lift this mandate and reinstate the testing option to ensure our streets remain protected from fires, crime and ensure our residents and first responders remain safe."

Malliotakis will be participating in a press conference on Capitol Hill with her colleagues and first responders to stand against vaccine mandates at 1:30 PM.