The Canandaigua Fire Department is urging the City Council to address its critical staffing shortage after a fire on Jefferson Avenue claimed the life of 98-year-old Saverio Campagna. Firefighter Adam Faville, one of only two firefighters at the scene, said he had to perform the roles of multiple responders, underscoring the need for more personnel.
During Tuesday’s budget workshop, fire officials requested funding for two additional firefighters and an assistant chief, citing the $250,000 cost as necessary for public safety.
Councilmember Michael Mills acknowledged the balancing act between budget constraints and safety priorities. Faville pressed for action, emphasizing that unaddressed staffing issues could lead to further loss of life and property.
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