Three Ft. Myers firefighters were let go as a federal grant funding their positions expired. One other firefighter retired, and another transferred to a different department, according to a city official.
The city reapplied for the FEMA grant, but it was not awarded to the department for 2018.
"Unfortunately that is a very competitive process," Chief John Caufield told 4-in-your-corner in December.
Caufield was not available for comment Wednesday. He told 4-in-your-corner in December the layoffs would hurt the department.
"Laying somebody off, is not something that should be taken lightly. It's a big deal, it's a big deal to the fire department."
But city spokesperson Stephanie Schaffer told 4-in-your corner in a statement:
"All fire department stations are open and properly staffed. Additionally, over the past year the department has increased its minimum on-duty staff from 21 to 25."
4-in-your corner reached out to the firefighter's union for comment on this story, but did not hear back Wednesday.
