Fire Station No. 7 is a valuable asset to the Syracuse University community. Closing the station due to budget cuts is concerning, as it would be a dangerous decision for the people the station regularly serves.

Though the city’s budget will not be finalized until March, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner said there is a $21 million deficit and all cuts must be considered. But closing Station No. 7 should not be one of those cuts.

The station is the busiest in the city, responds to the most alarm activations at SU and receives the most calls from SU than any other station. Its proximity to Main Campus – only 0.7 miles away – is critical for serving such a large and dependent community. If the station were to close, the next closest station would be more than double that distance. This would lead to a potentially risky increase in response time.

The firefighters of Station No. 7 are most familiar with SU buildings, making them effective first responders. If the station closes, these firefighters would be placed at a different station, and may no longer be first responders in the university area. Their knowledge of the buildings is vital to safety and efficiency.

The station also serves other high-population institutions like the Upstate Medical Center, Crouse Hospital and the Syracuse VA Medical Center, as well as the older homes of the Eastside.

Though the station is the oldest and most rundown in the city, thus making repairs costly, the safety of the citizens that Station No. 7 serves should not be compromised or jeopardized due to funding.