Canandaigua's firefighters union is offering yard signs to residents and businesses that want to support its push for increased firefighter staffing.
Canandaigua Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2098 said people can contact the union through social media or email president@iaff2098.com to request a sign.
The red-and-white signs read, "Support a safer Canandaigua," and identify the Canandaigua Professional Firefighters Association Local 2098 as the organization paying for them.
The union said its appeal followed questions from people asking how to show support for more staffing.
Union reminds supporters about sign placement
Local 2098 asked supporters to place signs only on private property with the owner's permission and to keep them clear of traffic visibility hazards.
Its post warned against putting signs on public property, street corners, medians, sidewalks, utility strips or in public rights of way, including the lawn area between a sidewalk and street.
The city's sign regulations prohibit temporary signs on public property or within a public street's right of way and require consent before placement on private property. Signs also cannot obstruct visibility for people walking or driving.
Under the code's enforcement provisions, the zoning officer must identify a violation and allow time to correct it. The code specifies 24 hours for temporary and portable signs. If the violation remains, the city may remove and store the sign at its owner's expense, with a minimum $50 removal-and-storage charge. Additional penalties may apply to violations left uncorrected after notice.
Campaign continues staffing debate
The yard-sign effort follows the union's appeals for additional personnel after the Oct. 11 Beeman Street fire. Local 2098 argued that a four-firefighter initial response left important safety duties uncovered.
The city has previously defended mutual aid as essential to its fire protection system and said hiring decisions must balance operational needs, community risk and taxpayers' costs. Earlier FingerLakes1 coverage detailed that dispute and a city-commissioned study recommending phased staffing increases.
Residents or business owners interested in a sign can reach Local 2098 through its social media page or the union president's email.
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