Stamford's Board of Representatives have passed new and very hard fought agreements with the police and fire unions. The vote Monday night was along party lines with three Republican board members saying no. These agreements save 20 jobs at each department. In exchange for this, the Stamford Police Association has agreed to cut their clothing allowance in half, give up two personal days and watch overtime costs. The Stamford Fire Department has agreed to give up a three percent increase in pay for three months and accept cuts towards uniforms and gear.

Stamford Police Union President Sargeant Joseph Kennedy and Fire Chief Robert McGrath are united in their view that saving so many jobs in this economy was vital and worth the negotiations. The police union and the city made their tentative deal on the day that 20 roookie officers had been scheduled to be layed off.