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LAWRENCE, Mass. - The Lawrence Fire Department has stopped responding to most medical aid calls indefinitely.
Lawrence Fire Chief Peter Takvorian (tak-VOY'-ree-an) told the Eagle-Tribune Sunday that the department had no choice but to stop responding to the calls due to budget cuts last month. The budget reduction forced the department to close two firehouse and lay off 10 firefighters.
Takvorian said because his staffing is so low, crews must focus on their primary responsibility of fighting fires.
Last year, Lawrence firefighters responded to 138 building and brush fires, and 2,728 medical aid calls.
Takvorian said firefighters will still respond to car accidents, including crashes where special equipment is needed to free a trapped victim.
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Information from: The Eagle-Tribune, http://www.eagletribune.com
