Gregorie criticizes city fire response
Riley says keep politics out of firefighters' deaths
Video
Dudley Gregorie and Joe Riley comment
Charleston Mayoral candidate Dudley Gregorie makes his first public comments since nine city firefighters were killed, and Mayor Joe Riley responds.
Charleston mayoral candidate William Dudley Gregorie criticized on Tuesday the city administration's response to the death of nine firefighters, saying that if he were in charge, he would quickly change fire department policies.
"As mayor, my head would not be in the sand on this one," Gregorie said.
"No one should be trying to make political hay out of this tragedy," Riley responded. "If we discover any reason to change policies and procedures we will do that."
Gregorie said his understanding of Charleston firefighting procedures and policies was based on newspaper articles he read during the past two weeks.
A portion of his prepared statement was nearly identical to a description of the concerns of firefighters' union officials published in The Post and Courier.
Gregorie said, with regard to needed
changes, that: "More specifically, these procedures involve incident command structure, pre-planning for structures with known fire hazards and procedures for deciding when to fight a fire offensively or defensively."
For example, Charleston Fire Department policy says that the highest ranking officer is automatically in charge of a fire scene and that the officer can engage in firefighting and rescue operations, but federal guidelines recommend that incident commanders remain outside burning structures.
Fire Chief Rusty Thomas has defended departmental policies, saying: "Our firefighting techniques are not going to change in the city of Charleston Fire Department."
Riley also has defended fire department policies and regularly calls Thomas the best fire chief in America, but he said Tuesday that the city is "looking at every bit of information and every possible way to improve policies and procedures.
"Everyone wants to see (the Sofa Super Store fire) thoroughly studied and analyzed, so if there are new lessons to be learned from this tragic experience, everyone can benefit from that," Riley said.
Gregorie, paraphrasing a quotation often attributed to Albert Einstein, said, "To keep doing things the same way, and expecting different results, is insanity."
He also suggested Charleston evaluate firefighter pay to make sure firefighters don't need second jobs.
Gregorie's statements came during the second issue-oriented press conference he has held since announcing four months ago that he was considering running for mayor. The first was in response to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development audit of the Charleston Housing Authority. The audit was conducted after HUD received anonymous tips about the authority and identified lax accounting standards at the institution.
Gregorie, 58, is the recently retired director of HUD's regional office in Columbia and is seeking elected office for the first time.
Riley, 64, is running for a ninth four-year term as mayor in November's general election.
Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
trm2105 (anonymous) says...
Can someone please tell Riley that HE'S the only one making political hay out of this incident. He's the one that called for a memorial, not any meaningful inquiry, immediately following the event. A memorial park on the site of the fire, he's lost his mind.
July 4, 2007 at 7:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watergirl (anonymous) says...
I never saw him the time the firefighters died. I never heard his name mention until now. I think that Mayor Riley and Chief Rusty is doing a good job, even the way they handle the fire and the death of the brave nine firefighter that died. And I live in N. Charleston.
July 4, 2007 at 7:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
I'm no big fan of mayor Riley, but since when does the mayor decide firefighting policy? A guy who ran HUD is going to tell the fire chief how to fight fires? If micro-management is how he would run a city maybe you folks are better off keeping Joe.
July 4, 2007 at 7:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
margaretlentz (anonymous) says...
I am not a fan of Mayor Riley. I live on James Island, in OUR town. However, I would vote for my Boykin Spanial before I would cate a vote for someone who is out to use the Charleston 9 as a stepping stone to the Mayor's office. She (female and canine) is at least compassionate, loyal, and smart enough to recognize BS when she smells it. I don't know who organized the memorial, but they are to be commended for a completely professional and organized event. It needed to be done and was accomplished in 2 days. Mayor Riley has been supportive and caring to the families and should be commended for his support. Any reorganizing of the fire department or changes should be made after the investigation is completed and by those qualified, not a political hack out to make hay on 9 deaths. Now is not the time to second guess those that died or their brothers. Now is the time for cool deliberation and investigation. I can only hope that none of the families of the 9 are going to pursue suing the department, especially after all the support this community has shown them. Talk about poor taste.
July 4, 2007 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WSMcDaniel (anonymous) says...
This is pathetic, but so exemplary of the political opportunism in the "Holy City." When tragedy strikes, there is no shortage of vultures circling overhead.
So...a retired federal bureaucrat is going to tell the fire chief how to do his job? I'm certain that he draws on a vast body of firefighting knowledge and experience from his days at HUD. By the same token, why don't we just get a retired federal DOT employee to run the police department? After all, they're federal employees, and are better than anyone else.
Throw me a bone, man. Give the public some credit for walking erect and having opposable thumbs. This is exploiting tragedy at its finest, period.
July 4, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tfpoor (anonymous) says...
kudo's WSMcDaniel!
Couldn't have put it better but will add that if Mr Gregorie was to get elected you would have seen the same reaction as the mayor's. How many times have we heard this political rhetoric directed at one's opponent? He would have made "political hay" out of this entire situation. Sounds like he is already trying?
I for one think it time for mayor Joe to go but not if this guy is the best suitable replacement.
July 4, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rdowner (anonymous) says...
I dont even understand the Monday morning quaterbacking of Chief Rusty Thomas or the Charleston Fire Dept. I have been a professional firefighter for 33 years The Incident Command system is not the holy grail nor is it verbal plenery failsafe. There are times on the fireground where you have to exercise individual judgement or be injured or not stop the beast. The IC system was designed to put some organization in firefighting tactics but case in point..9-11. those brave firefighters KNEW they were not coming back out of those bldgs. alive. The FDNY chaplains were giving last rights and absolution to fire crews as they went in to those bldgs. THATS WHAT WE DO FOLKS. The buck stops with us. Who ya gonna call?...> a politician?
I would only say about the fire what Ive read of it in the paper that the fire inspections should not be in the building department or buried under electrical and plumbing inspections but be put back in the uniformed CFD ranks under the supervision of a Level 3 Chief officer and the legislature should put some teeth in code enforcement of fire violations and civil service for the inspectors.
July 4, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
SPRINKLERS, SPRINKLERS, SPRINLERS . I KNOW THEY WILL HELP BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THE SOFA SUPERSTORE AND MANY LIKE THEM DON'T HAVE OR AREN'T REQUIRED TO HAVE THEM. IF THERE IS A FIRE TONIGHT AT ONE OF THOSE HUNDREDS OF LOCATIONS THE CHIEF IN CHARGE NEEDS THE EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND ON TOP OF IT ALL THE COMMON SENSE TO KNOW WHEN TO PULL HIS BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OUT. IN A SMOKE FILLED WHAREHOUSE TYPE STRUCTURE OR FOR ANY OTHER STUCTURE YOU CAN'T SEE EVERYTHING GOING ON MUCH LESS YOUR HANDS IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE. THAT IS THE CHIEFS JOB IF HE WANTS TO BE A FIREFIGHTER HE SHOULD HAVE NEVER TOOK THE PROMOTION.
July 4, 2007 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bvfd271 (anonymous) says...
What Charleston FD needs is a young Chief with fresh ideas that will make the Charleston FD what it should be.With the amount of money the City Council gives the Charleston FD,they should have the most modern equipment available.I once visited a Charleston Fire Station,and was amazed to see Fire Trucks with no SCBA(Breathing Apparatus) mounted in the Cab for quick mounting and use,nor did they a thermal imaging camera to locate heat and latent fire.It is amazing the Mayor and Chief can call the Charleston FD a modern FD when they lack modern equipment.Each Engine should be equipped with a Themal Imaging Camera,and mounted SCBA for easily mounting,making the Firefighters ready to go when arriving at the scene.While the cost of a thermal imaging camera is high,with the amount of money the CFD has,it would be pocket change to equip each Engine with one.I am not saying ti might have saved the lives of the 9 Firefighters,but certianly would have increased thier chances of survival,and also can increase the chance of finding and saving a victim(s)life.Anyone agree,or disagree?
July 4, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
"Riley, 64, is running for a ninth four-year term as mayor in November's general election."
32 years of this guy and you want to give him 4 more!! Come on voters of Charleston, it is time for a change. Riley thinks his ideas are the only ideas! He is one of the most stubborn men I have ever known. As far as micro-managing, his hand is in everything that goes on in the city. And don't think he's not going to run again after he wins this election! We will see what he says and does when the state and ATF reports come out that show the CFD needs to modernize and change policies and procedures. To me, it is crazy to have the on-scene commander fighting fires with his men. Who is making the decisions and analyzing the scene if the commander is fighting the fire with the troops? CRAZY!
July 4, 2007 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
InspFireMedic30 (anonymous) says...
Must be an election year in Charlston S.C. Unfortunatly, the WHOLE state of S.C. is to blame for killing those Firefighters. No "two-in-two-out"? No RIT requirement? No state certification? Some states even require vollys to be certified at least to FF1 before engaging in fire suppresion activities. If the state does not require basic knowledge and practical skills testing, how can it introduce a more complex concept such as ICS and expect comprehension.
"BOOTLICKED" stay engaged, so far you're right on! A city kills 9 firefighters? Your damn right it's nut cut'in time!
July 4, 2007 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rdowner (anonymous) says...
boot is wrong no permit no plans on 15,000 sf. upfit requires sprinklers
IFC
July 4, 2007 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grcjrsc (anonymous) says...
You can't handle the truth! Mr. Gregorie, we live in a world that has buildings. And those buldings have to be protected by men with axes, fire hose and pike poles. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Mr. Gregorie? They have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You have the luxury of not knowing what they know: that these tactics which sometimes have tragic consequences save lives. And the Chief's defense of aggressive firefighting, while incomprehensible to you, saves lives...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you need these brave men using aggressive tactics protecting these buildings.
Fire fighters use words like honor, loyalty, brotherhood...they use these words as the backbone to a life spent protecting people. You use 'em to for your own political gain. These brave men have neither the time nor the inclination to explain themselves to you, who live and sleep under the blanket of the safety they provide, then you question the manner in which they provide it! It's better that you just say thank you and be on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a hose line and fight fire. Either way, I don't give a #&*@ what you think!
July 4, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
InspFireMedic30 (anonymous) says...
rdowner- IFC?? Too complicated. NFPA 101 for S.C. command staff.
July 4, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jwhite (anonymous) says...
IT TAKES A FOOL TO CRITICIZE AND MOST FOOLS DO.
I would like to comment on Mr. Gregories' criticizing the Fire Department policies. Until you have walked in a firefighter boots, you should not be criticizing what you know nothing about. Firefighters are trained professionals that have only moments to react,it could mean life or death for someone. You fight a fire from all angles not just from the outside. The fire department does pre-planning on all buildings, looking at the layouts and exits. They did it when I was in the department and policies haven't changed. They worked for the last 47 years. We had only 1 firefighter die in the in the line of duty in the twenty years I was there. Now 9 brave men gave their lives and you want to critize and basically say that their deaths were in vain. I feel you are using this as a political soapbox to get yourself
elected. Maybe you should consider if it were your house on fire and your family trapped inside, you wouldn't care who went inside and save your family, whether it was a chief or just a firefighter. Think about it, before running your mouth on a subject you know nothing about. They went inside because they heard that someone was trapped inside. If you could ask any of the nine if they would do it again, they would probably say yes. They served the city and the community with pride. They were just doing their job and I feel you want to use their deaths for your benefit. Read the firemans prayer and maybe you will understand the life of a firefighter.
Sincerely
James E White
Retired Battallion Chief
Charleston Fire Department
270 Carolinian Dr.
Summerville,SC 29485
Firemen's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever Flames may rage,
give me strength to save some life
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is to late,
or save an old person
from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
and hear the weakest shout.
to quickly and efficiently
put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and to give the best in me,
to guard my every neighbor
and protect his property.
And if according to my fate ....
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.
Author Unknown
July 4, 2007 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
easy (anonymous) says...
I think the Charleston public should keep Chief Rusted and Mayor Really. They are The Bes, The Bes. If you don't believe that, then just ask them. they will tell you. Keep things as they are, in the dark ages and the firefighters like mushrooms. Like the guy above stated, they only lost one in 20 years,he seems to think that is a good average, but if you take this nine all at one time, lets see, that would be 1 firefighter every 2.2 years. Anyway Chief Rusted said he was not going anywhere, so I guess you can just take that to the bank, cause Mayor Really calls the shots.
And the facts about the reports from the investigations ? Does anyone seems to think that what is shown to the public will be the truth ? Who was it that said, " You want the truth, You can't handle the truth ".
July 4, 2007 at 4:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mythoughts (anonymous) says...
William Dudley Gregorie criticized on Tuesday the city administration's response to the death of nine firefighters, WOW he tested the waters for the last week before responding? were where you last week. Now that you know how a lot of Charleston feels about the job CFD did. Way to step up skippy!
July 4, 2007 at 8:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hotshot7775 (anonymous) says...
To the families,friends, and brothers of the 9 brave and courageous men who lost their lives in the Carolina Fire.
We understand that in our profession it is our duty to put our lives on the line, but please know this. Those 9 men who give their lives in the line of Duty will always be remembered as heroes who gave their lives for something they loved and believed in. Our prayers are with all of the families who lost their loved ones. The South Tucson Fire Deptartment , South Tucson , AZ FF Keller
July 4, 2007 at 8:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
j23 (anonymous) says...
bvfd271,
I agree thermal imagers are wonderful tools and I wish every fire engine had one available. But the thermal imager is a tool, and does not take the place of sound firefighting practices. I have used them and they are extremely helpful and do save lives. With that I agree. However, I do disagree with the comment about scba not being in the cab for easy donning. If you put scba in the cab, the firefighters are going to be "packing up" on the way to the fire without the use of a seatbelt. Many departments are moving the scba to an outside compartment for this reason, including my department. We are moving the scba to an outside compartment for safety reasons - firefighters dressing while engine is enroute to a call. Responding to fires is one of the most dangerous things we do and many people are killed each year in apparatus accidents not wearing seatbelts. If their (CFD) scba are in outside cabinets, there is probably a good reason as I stated above. Just an opinion.
July 5, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lyfe1999 (anonymous) says...
Good Job, Mr. Gregorie. Someone from the community needed to call out the Mayor and Chief Rusty about the arrogant defense of their policies. People say you are using this as a political tool, but I say it is your responsibilty to speak out. You have only said what thousands in the area are saying, and you used your platform as a Mayoral Candidate to say it. What people should be outraged about is how Mayor Joe has flipped flopped on this issue. One minute he's parroting the Chief saying our policies are fine and we are not going to change, and as soon as the criticisms come he says they will change if need be. Charleston needs better. Mr. Gregorie thanks for your courage in speaking out.
July 5, 2007 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerndrawl (anonymous) says...
Perhaps all city officials and all those running for office like Mr. William Dudley Gregorie should have to become Volunteer Firefighters and go through their training prior to making uneducated recommendations (guesses) as to what these brave individuals can and cannot do. Especially if your understanding of the policies is based on newspaper articles and not from actually reading and understanding these policies first hand. I'm certain that if Mr. Gregorie was stuck in a burning building, or entrapped in a car, he would let the men and women do everything in their power to save him, even if it meant one or more of them had to lose their life doing so. But until you, Mr. Gregorie, fully understand what it takes and how to handle the stress both physically and emotionally, don't use those men and women and their training as your political stepping stone and certainly DO NOT use the lives of those brave 9 who died for your gain either. They didn't give their life to make you or anyone else look good in an election.
July 5, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
firefighterfan (anonymous) says...
This man has no idea the training and experience that each of these men had going into that fire. How dare Gregorie speak on terms he has no idea about. Rusty Thomas is a great leader of the fire dept. and everyone one of those firefighters died with honor and dignity doing what they love. Everyone of those men put their heart and souls into even Rookie school to get into CFD, which is one of the most upstanding FD in probably the country. All of these policies of CFD have held up strong for many years now, and will continue to do so for many more years. So how about we let the firefighters decide if they need changes in the dept. instead of some "no-it-all" to come in here and change them without knowing the effects of anyone of these changes. How dare you Gregorie and THANK YOU CFD!!!!
July 5, 2007 at 4:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CFD13 (anonymous) says...
Hey firefrighterfan, since you are not a firefighter how do you know Rusty Thomas is a great leader. What are you a "no-it-all". Here is a great leader for you. NINE PEOPLE WERE KILLED ON A FIRE THAT HE WAS IN CHARGE OF. Then days later he states he would fight that fire the same way tomarrow.
now thats leadership, I hope your family or friends don't work there.
July 7, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
easybootlicked (anonymous) says...
While I don't agree with Mr. Gregorie, I do respect the fact that he let his opinion be known to the public. This is information that people will need when it comes time to vote. Maybe it will help him, maybe it won't... only time will tell. But, at least he didn't hide behind some cute little username and talk trash without being man enough to use his real name. Not that anyone on here would be a big enough coward to do that...
July 11, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bickleseagrave (anonymous) says...
You mean like "easybootlicked"
July 12, 2007 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
easybootlicked please use your name be a man. You need to change it to bicklesseagravecfd13whokilledninethismuststopeasybootlickedect.ect.grow some you punk. Does the truth hurt I bet you already know me so just stop by and I'll show you a coward.
July 12, 2007 at 10:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
Remember frictionloss really miss him and he used to drive the easybootlicks crazy. I remember penn saying what he would like to do to him in rusty's defense and now look at him maybe your next.This is almost like charleston burning.
July 12, 2007 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
easybootlicked (anonymous) says...
HAHA! Wow... temper, temper there booty. I guess having someone on here calling you names isn't as fun as doing it to other people. Of course, I don't know who you are and you don't know who I am. Maybe it's more fun to bash the leader of a great fire department or call that leader names. Yeah, and I'm the punk.
And bickleseagrave... that was my point. Anyone (including myself) can get on here and talk trash and bash people. It's easy when you don't have to put your name behind your comments.
July 13, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bickleseagrave (anonymous) says...
I wouldn't say talk trash or bash people. In my case I saw the video, read the quotes from the Chief and Mayor about not changing anything and expressed my opinion! I believe that's what this type of forum is all about.
And yet again I will say, after the investigation I believe it will be shown that there was a lack of "Command and Control"!
July 13, 2007 at 6:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
Of coarse I have a temper lost six good friends and nine heroes. Should have your blood boiling also.Not only lost them they died becuase of many mistakes by many years of so called tradition.Might as well fire up the steamer and hook-up the horses.Maybe even form a bucket brigade. You don't even seem to care all that bothers you is that someone is critical of Rusty. Please tell me that my post are not accurate. Tell me what a great job Rusty did that evening. Use your name if you feel so strongly that we are all making this up so when the reports come out I'll mail you a copy in brail because evidently you can't see.ro?
July 13, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
What is your opinion easybootlicked? Seems to me your only one is that everyone uses thier real name. What do you think about this great loss the city and families have suffered. Do you think it could be avoided. What is a water thief? What is your name?
July 14, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
Gregorie glad you see the city needs change. I don't think those associating with Leroy are the ones we need. I'm sorry those of you that don't know that was kwadjo's real name before his criminal career. Maybe he can change it again, move again, grow a beard, or wear a disguise. Bottom line a leopard can't change his spots.Mr. Gregorie why would you want his input when he only had something like nine percent of the vote in his run against mayor Really? I would't waste anymore of my own money if I were you. Save it and give it to someones campaign that might just change the city in the direction it needs.
July 14, 2007 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
It might have been Larry or Leroy whatever.
July 14, 2007 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
straightstream (anonymous) says...
Who was Penn and frictionloss
July 15, 2007 at 7:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
One is an ex-bootlick that went to Iraq and then Rusty wouldn't rehire him. It doesn't always pay to be a bootlick. Frictionloss is someone who seemed to have a lot of knowledge when it came to the CFD on an sight called Charleston burning. Very critical of the Chief and his cronies.Too bad I think the sight isn't operational any more. Had alot of great info.When frictionloss would say negative things about the way cfd was run Penn would get really mad and question who he was like easybootlicked.
July 15, 2007 at 8:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
straightstream (anonymous) says...
Oh. You mean Ol'Fric! Yeah I remember fric. Chances are he's coming to a new board being created. If so, I'll let you know.
July 15, 2007 at 8:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
Yeah good deal. I would love to here from him again. I'm quite sure he has a whole lot to say. I remember Earl used to joke and call me Frictionloss.
July 15, 2007 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
straightstream (anonymous) says...
He's a good guy. Maybe he'll join here.
July 15, 2007 at 9:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
straightstream (anonymous) says...
http://oldfric.blogspot.com/
I think that's him.
July 15, 2007 at 10:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
straightstream (anonymous) says...
Bootlicked-email it around-I'll do the same.
July 15, 2007 at 10:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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