The Philadelphia firefighter's union lost a bid to prevent closing seven fire companies targeted as part of Mayor Nutter's response to the current budget crisis. Common Pleas Judge Gary DiVito yesterday ruled that Nutter could unilaterally make the cuts and said the union's fire expert witness had not shown that eliminating five engine companies and two ladder companies would endanger firefighters or the public. DiVito also said that Local 22 of the International Association of Firefighters had failed to show that the cuts posed a threat to public safety. Philly.com also reports:

It was a much-needed victory for Nutter in his effort to close a five-year, $1 billion budget gap that he has warned is likely to grow. Nutter estimates that the fire closures would save $10.4 million annually... The firefighters requested an injunction earlier this month, arguing that Nutter was required to bargain with the union when it came to issues of firefighter safety.