Fire station dispute returns to court

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The North Providence Firefighters Union returned to court on Wednesday, as it tries to prevent Mayor Charles Lombardi from shutting down the fire station on Douglas Avenue.

Wednesday's testimony focused on the response time it takes firefighters to actually get to a fire scene.

The union is arguing that public safety would be in jeopardy if Station 3 shuts down.  The mayor disagrees, and insists it is his legal right to order the fire house closed, for financial reasons.

"My honest opinion is I don't know why we're here, I just feel that the law is clear as to who is responsible for management of our fire department," said Mayor Lombardi outside Superior Court.

But union president Lt. John Silva says he's optimistic the courts will side with the firefighters.

"I think we're presenting a good case. We're trying to show and we are showing that this really, at the end of the day, is about safety....The mayor keeps saying it's about money, we don't see that being an issue."

Station 3 will remain open while the case continues to be heard in court.

Testimony is scheduled to resume on Monday.