Firefighters in Teaneck are fighting to keep their jobs after a Wednesday morning ruling that approved layoffs due to budgetary deficiencies.

The New Jersey Civil Service Commission decided that layoffs and demotions for more than 25 firefighters, expected to occur as early as Thursday, can take place. Firefighters and union members are now working to convince the commission to postpone those layoffs.

Bill Lavin, president of the Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association, says he expects 11 firefighters to be let go and 17 to be demoted. The deputy chief position may also be eliminated.

"We did not get the interim relief we wanted, so layoffs are going forward and people's lives are going to be jeopardized," Lavin says.

According to Lavin, a hearing will be scheduled with the Office of Administrative Law to evaluate the layoff decision. However, a date has not yet been scheduled for that hearing.