New Yorkers rallied Friday against proposed cuts to the fire department.
Lawmakers and firefighters gathered outside Engine Company 271 in Bushwick to speak out against the Mayor Michael Bloomberg's budget plan.
The mayor's budget proposal calls for the closure of 20 fire companies, which would save the city $55 million.
Community leaders say the mayor can find the cuts elsewhere
."We're asking the mayor to prioritize our fire safety. Don't roll the dice on the city's public safety. We have wasteful spending in terms of bike lanes, wasteful spending in terms of plazas, even the whole 911 call taking system has shown wasteful spending," said City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley.
The mayor has said state and federal budget cuts are forcing cutbacks across the board.
The City Council is set to begin budget hearings on Monday.
