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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia firefighters will no longer use forced staff rotations. Mayor Jim Kenney announced Thursday he is ending the "brownouts" policy implemented under former Mayor Michael Nutter. Beginning in 2010, several engine companies closed during day and night shifts and firefighters were reassigned. A city report says the policy "jeopardized public safety" and cost the city $20 million in overtime. It says response rates dropped from 80 percent to 74 percent and that four people have died at locations where the closest firehouse had been browned out. Kenney says he doesn't know how much the move will cost the department. Paramedics will continue rotating between firehouses. Acting Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer says she supports the move.

Philadelphia ending forced firefighter rotation policies