N. Providence Firefighters Reach Deal

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - North Providence Firefighters have struck a deal with town leaders to avoid layoffs at the department.

During a brief court hearing this afternoon, it was revealed that the Firefighters' Union has agreed to accept a pay cut and to increase their health care coverage cost. In exchange, the town has agreed not to reduce to size of the fire department.

The deal was reached after two days of court-supervised negotiations.

Mayor Charles Lombardi tells Eyewitness News the agreement will help save the community about $250,000 between now and the fiscal year that ends on June 30.

North Providence, like many communities, is facing a budget deficit after a reduction in state aid.