Protecting New Yorkers from gruesome deaths and injuries in fires takes more than the bravery of Firefighters. Without its dedicated clerical workforce, the Fire Dept. would be like a hose without water.

The agency’s Fire Suppression Unit, where Local 1549 members Shirley Edwards and Kelly Robinson work, protects tenants in thousands of buildings from fires. Every apartment superintendent must be certified in fire prevention every year, and careful clerical record keeping makes sure this happens. That is only one of the 350 different certificates the Fire Dept. requires in its constant effort to keep fires from starting, said Ms. Edwards. She’s a Clerical Associate IV, like Ms. Robinson, who handles scheduling and computer data entry.

“Because of understaffing, it’s already difficult to take time off for a vacation or even a family emergency,” she said. If the city lays off the 30 targeted Local 1549 members at the FDNY, things could get a lot worse.

Civilian layoffs in the Fire Dept. would go hand-in-hand with closing firehouses, weakening public safety as well as destroying careers. Clerical Associate II Robert Chavis could see his 22 years at the FDNY end on May 17. He’s a receptionist and handles other clerical duties.

Injured in an automobile accident, Mr. Chavis deals with pain and paralysis every day. “Once I wake up in the morning, some part of my body is always in pain. My job and my nine grandkids make my life worth living.”

Dana Robateau, a Clerical Associate IV, has barely started, but her career is scheduled to end on May 17. With two sons and two daughters to support single-handedly, the Crown Heights resident has worked in the Fire Prevention Unit for one year. “I like helping the clients when they call, and I put myself into it.”

— JL