Fire department can be model, Riley says
Mayor reiterates support for chief, says many of experts' recommendations have been adopted
The Post and Courier
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said the June 18 fire that killed nine city firefighters has consumed him and that he thinks about and prays for the fallen firefighters and their families every day.
Mayor reiterates support for chief, says many of experts' recommendations have been adopted
Three months after the fatal Sofa Super Store fire, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley on Tuesday delivered a televised address on how the city and various outside reviews could one day transform the fire department into a national model.
Riley said the June 18 fire that killed nine city firefighters has consumed him and that he thinks about and prays for the fallen firefighters and their families every day.
"We have been and are continuing to work very hard to make sure we completely understand the mysteries of this complex fire and how an apparent exterior trash fire could, in a matter of minutes, destroy two buildings and take the lives of nine courageous and experienced firefighters."
The city has moved quickly to implement changes recommended by a six-member panel of firefighting experts studying ways to improve all aspects of the fire department, Riley said.
Of 27 recommendations from the panel, 19 already have been implemented. Many of the changes deal with increased staffing, larger initial responses to fires and incident command procedures. Others, such as new equipment purchases, will take more time, he said.
Riley said his goal is that firefighters around the country will one day look to the city "to watch a fire department in operation whose standards are equal to or exceed national and international best practices."
In our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.
Riley also touched on previously announced efforts to aid the families of city firefighters and policy changes eliminating costly fees for businesses to install fire sprinklers. The City of Charleston Firemen's Fund has raised $3.86 million through Wednesday.
The city's announcement this week that the mayor would deliver the address live on local television stations and the formality with which the speech was arranged had many in the community wondering if Riley intended to disclose new information about ongoing studies of the blaze and the department's handling of it.
But the eight-minute speech covered little new ground and left some scratching their heads.
"Nothing new," Councilman Henry Fishburne said after the speech. Fishburne has raised concerns that council members were not involved in choosing or approving the independent panel. "I was hoping he would answer some of the questions we have raised," Fishburne said.
In a recent letter to Riley, Fishburne said he is troubled that Riley continues to express unqualified support in the department's leadership even though the independent review panel recommended a sweeping overhaul of the practices and procedures that those same leaders kept in place. "If we were so top-notch, the chances are slim to none that this (fire) would have happened."
The Mayor's report
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley spoke Tuesday about the progress of the Sofa Super Store investigation. He reviewed recommendations made Aug. 17 by the city's investigative team and said all recommendations and reports will be made available to the public.
You can also read the full text of the mayor's comments at the press conference by clicking here.
Councilwoman Yvonne Evans applauded the mayor's efforts to speak directly to the community. "I think what he did was bring the level of discourse down so that people feel like they can ask anything they want. There's been nothing but hysteria and nothing is gained when you talk at that level."
In response to reporters' questions following the address, Riley reiterated his steadfast support of Fire Chief Rusty Thomas and other department leaders. He also dismissed a suggestion that some city firefighters fear they will lose their jobs or be reprimanded if they speak out about shortcomings in the department. All city firefighters can "fully and completely express their feelings and recommendations," he said.
Roger Yow, president of the Charleston Firefighter's Association that represents about half of the city's firefighters, said his union and city firefighters have been recommending improvements for years and have been ignored.
"This is nothing more than an attempt by Mayor Riley to cast a smoke screen over the issues that have us here today," he said.
Riley pledged that the city will forever honor the nine firefighters by owning up to and addressing any shortcomings noted in the forthcoming reports.
"A community is defined less by tragedies and disasters, but more by how it responds," he said.
Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724.
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Comments
Boosterhose (anonymous) says...
Bandaid. The dept. is required to lay dual lines at all structure fires. On all forward thinking departments that would entail having a hosebed split into 2 sections so both sides could be laid simultaneously to the hydrant in a reverse lay configuration.
The problem with doing this is the ones who implement these new procedures Chief Thomas and the maintenance shop head mechanic can't figure out how to do it properly.
So his response is it would be too confusing for the men, while a lot of the men have had split hosebeds in other previous imployment at various departments.
Do you see where I'm going with this?
It is confusing for Chief Thomas and a mechanic with no firefighting experience so will not be done. Never mind that it will speed up the process and inhance firescene safety.
Information must only go from the top down or there would be a loss of control and we couldn't possibly have that.
September 19, 2007 at 2:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Boosterhose (anonymous) says...
Have you ever hand pulled Eight sections of 2 1/2 hose to another pumper? I have and it is not easy. This is what is required under the new peocedures being put into process. It is at best a 2 man job but will only be done by one individual or else.
If you're lucky the hydrant man will be freed up to help but with everything else that is required to be done at the hydrant this will most likely not be the case.
September 19, 2007 at 2:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paul (anonymous) says...
When are Riley and Thomas going to accept that the responsibility for this "accident" is theirs and theirs alone ?
" The buck stops here! "
September 19, 2007 at 4:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JonWithnal (anonymous) says...
We could be an even better model if we got rid this mayor - a local zero (and rube.
September 19, 2007 at 4:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
I guess we will have to wait for the next major fire to see how the changes implimented by Joe work. You can bet your a** that the news media will be there in droves.
September 19, 2007 at 4:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bjp99 (anonymous) says...
27 recommendations! 27 and we have the best fire dept. (no disrespect to the fire fighters). You have got to be kidding me!
September 19, 2007 at 7:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
Let's see. 27 recommendations and nine men dead on your watch. Yet, King Riley reaffirms his support for the fire chief. If that's not senile thinking I don't know what is. I think it is time for a long vacation for the Riley and Rusty show. Sirs, if you love your city so much, resign now so that we can progress like other cities.
September 19, 2007 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
"Fire Department can be model"
Heck, if that is the case then I guess New Orleans can be a model of hurricane preparedness...
Three words for Riley and Rusty...AFTER THE FACT!
September 19, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Kerry & Harpo, New Orleans was failed by it's mayor also.
Buses by the hundreds, fueled and ready to roll.
Loss of life that could have been prevented.
Definite parallels between the cities.
September 19, 2007 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Fire_Inspector (anonymous) says...
1) Split bed hose lays are over 50 years old. Look at how the NYFD had their hose beds before they moved to LDH. Its not hard to understand. heck I could show them in an afternoon.
2) Buying apparatus does take quite a while, but you could at least retrofit doors on the jumpseats in the near term.
3) LDH is MUCH easier to use once you do it a few times. I can remember the change in my fire department over 20 years ago. The chief there also resisted the change.
4) The CFD COULD be a model FD, but it will take a sea change in attitude, LOTS of training and some serious $.
September 19, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
Exactly the fact I was facetiously trying to point out...
...and New Orleans re-elected the same Mayor again just like Charleston will probably do.
If citizens do not use their votes to enforce accountability when it comes to government , then there will be none.
Riley's televised photo opportunity address was nothing more than a city sponsored campaign ad in reaction to some unwelcome political heat. Most certainly, the quick fix implementation of panel recommendations is more an example of following instead of leading.
September 19, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
trinitytim (anonymous) says...
Mayor Riley and Chief Thomas. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that 9 brave men died under your command. That is not normal and you both should resgn and give this city the chance to become the department they are capable of becoming with credible and knoweldgable leadership.
Don't think about yourselves. Think about the 9 firefighters who lost their lives and the ones in the future who might lose their lives because of your antiquated and incompetent leadership.
September 19, 2007 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CFDGOODOLDBOY (anonymous) says...
The good old boy wins again. Riley more or less said so last night. Nothing has changed with in our dept. Same hose size, same uniforms, same command structure in place. Nothing will change until they admit that mistakes were made. Rusty had chances to change years ago, but chose instead to follow what he was taught by his good old boy dad Papa Russell.
September 19, 2007 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Zarclone (anonymous) says...
until you, the active duty firefighters get the public behind you ..there will be no change.you people need to let these "little secrets" out about what has not been change that should have been changed..and watch your rear ends , by now Rusty has his "eyes " and "ears" out watching and seeing who all talks.
September 19, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FunandGames (anonymous) says...
Riley said his goal is that firefighters around the country will one day look to the city "to watch a fire department in operation whose standards are equal to or exceed national and international best practices."
Does this mean that the CFD has adopted NFPA Standards? Or are those not the "best" practices? Who gets to determine what the "best" national and international practices are?
I'm looking forward to the day when FDNY, Montgomery County, LAFD and Phoenix Fire all come to Charleston to see how to run a real fire department.
September 19, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
I would like to see someone inside the CFD go through the 27 recommendations and line by line dispute what the Mayor and Chief are saying is implemented. Citizens reading this need to know nothing is being done as they say it is. What is Riley's definition of "implemented"? Have hoses, uniforms, and body armor been ordered? Has any new training FOR THE MEN been given? When? Who? I am not hearing ANYTHING that supports Riley's statements of implemented changes.
Zarclone is right, gentlemen, we need to hear it from you so we can add to the pressure.
Stay safe
September 19, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
miki (anonymous) says...
Here's the only other mayoral candidate this year. Time to start voicing your opinions to him about what you want out of your next mayor.
Honestly, if you don't speak up NOW, you need to hold your peace.
http://gregorieformayor.com/index.php
September 19, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FiddlerCrab7 (anonymous) says...
If the city believes that rescue intervention is one of the measures it has already implemented, it should reconsider.
RIT is not truly effective without extensive training, and not just for the chiefs. It takes more than a memo.
This Fire Times article contains findings from research conducted in Phoenix about the importance of thorough modern training and drills.
http://www.firetimes.com/story.asp?Fr...
September 19, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Early, you can absolutely start a petition for that...once you have it completed, present it to the Council...Remember to check if there is a necessity for a permit.
September 19, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hebthree (anonymous) says...
Nickie, there have been changes already made.
September 19, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local (anonymous) says...
Excellent posts today, everyone, nice job. I'm glad so many people care about giving our firefighters what they need to do their job the best way possible.
Channel 5 did a better-than-usual job last night of telling the whole story and followed coverage of the mayor with comments from Yow. And the reporter asked the mayor point blank why he still supported Thomas. One would hope Joe is starting to catch on but remember how long it took for him to realize Greenberg needed to go?
September 19, 2007 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
Kudos to Channel 4's Sarah DeMarco for asking the Mayor a real question...
Too bad "the buck stops here" coming from Riley's mouth was not a real answer.
September 19, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
hebthree: What changes Eddie name them. Your men say different.
September 19, 2007 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hebthree (anonymous) says...
Eddie? My men? What are you talking about? The changes that were made came out in a report that was published by this very site.
September 19, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Thank you bootlicked, I was going to ask that same thing...We get generic answers each time..."Changes have been made", yet NO ONE in the City or the Chief himself are explaining WHAT and HOW those changes are being made. What's the big secret? There should be a LOT more transparency...Why is it that only CERTAIN FFs come forward with news of change, but none of the other firefighters seem to know what is going on?
Please "Eddie", tell us...
September 19, 2007 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky (anonymous) says...
Did you see mayor joseph p. riley, for the 25 seconds before his 6:00 pm start on the local news. Someone sent me the feed, he is a man definatly on the ropes.
September 19, 2007 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hebthree (anonymous) says...
It wasn't this site it was live 5 news..
http://www.live5news.com/news/firefig...
September 19, 2007 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Hebthree,
I read that report, but WHERE are the implementations? From what I understand, the changes are only in the REPORT...still one dispatcher on many, if not most, days...still intermittent on responses (One truck as opposed to two for alarms in large buildings), Have larger diameter supply hoses been ordered? From where so we can verify? Have men's uniforms been ordered? From where, so we can verify? Have their body guards been ordered? From where so we can verify?
Whitewashed political speak is not good enough...Especially from someone who can't remember the difference between THOMPSON and Thomas.
September 19, 2007 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Exorcist, What do you mean? Where is this feed?
September 19, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
Even though Charleston ranks at the bottom of just about everything socially meaningful, he will be elected again in a landslide and everyone will wonder four years from now why nothing has changed. That's the way it's been for the last thirty years and that's the way Charlestonians like it. Ya'll are some consistant suckers. You remind me of a football team with one play they call over and over then can't figure out how the defense knew what was coming. In the end the enlightened will blame Yankee's. It would be funny if it weren't so sad!
September 19, 2007 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hebthree (anonymous) says...
Nickie,
Ahh.. I see what you mean. Yeh - I have no clue then. I was just going off the news reports.
September 19, 2007 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Thank you Hebthree...This is what we are screaming about all along...Unfortunately the general public is willing to listen to the twists from the City through the media...They can TELL us anything they want and unless the give specifics we cannot verify the information...as I said before, ZERO transparency.
September 19, 2007 at 12:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Crankyyankee and miki, what else do you expect when the only other candidate is a piss-poor choice? The problem is that until somebody with charisma and an original plan for change comes along, the status quo will continue to be elected. Gregorie is a terrible opposite choice to Riley; I even looked at his website to get his "vision". His vision is nothing but the same, idiotic, status quo. For example, he wants to "reduce density"?!? I've never heard of such an idiotic proposal that basically will reduce the population of the city ON PURPOSE!
Do I want Riley elected in my hometown? No, but there is no better choice. And I think the majority of the city's citizens know that.
September 19, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
asmileor24u (anonymous) says...
Guys, do you have nothing better to do than sit and complain? Yes, our pay is low. The whole state is that way. That is why northerners can come here and buy huge houses while people who have lived here all their lives can't afford a home. You want big city changes, go back to where you came from and leave our small town alone. Look, I'm all for holding the Mayor and FC accountable, but how many of you have lost 9 close friends at once. You need to back off for calls of resignations. Don't like our Mayor, move.
September 19, 2007 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nitelite (anonymous) says...
icbmman,
it is people like yourself as to why this city, and this state pratically for that matter lags behind in a time warp. Riley is a terrible opposite to ANYBODY! For him to say that the buck stops here or that he is accountable for the events of the 18th, and for him to feed us his rhetoric last night was disrespectful to say the least. Why do you think reporters are even getting pissed off with the BS coming from city hall. I will say this, anyone who calls themselves a "FRIEND" of the nine and supports Riley or Thomas, as the continue to disavow ownership of the blunder of june 18th, AND no some of us just won't complain and do nothing. We will make it know at the polls come November. I'll tell you this, even if I don't vote for anyone, I damn sure won't be voting for Riley anymore!
September 19, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nitelite (anonymous) says...
One more thing icbmman,
you are incorrect in your statement about reducing density in the context as to what is on Gregorie's website. I went to Riley's and he had little information over then rhetoric, no detailed plans for us to consider. But you Riley supports stay right in place, and find you will soon be looking for a new spot in north charleston once the new condos all over town drive up taxes and costs to live in the city.
summary
Joemustgo!
September 19, 2007 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hfdfireguy (anonymous) says...
Everyone from FDNY to Boston to DC to Baltimore and beyond have problems.
http://www.firefighterhourly.com/fire...
There is not one department in this country that meets every standard on 99% of their incidents because it is impossible. There has NEVER been a firefighter death that the department wasn't cited for violations of NFPA, NIOSH and/or OSHA standards or departmental SOG's.
Follow the Baltimore fire recruit story, 33 safety violations, jobs lost, vote of no confidence and more http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/loca...
Does CFD need to make changes.....YES.
Has the Chief and other officers made mistakes....YES.
But stop making CFD and their command staff sound like the worst department in the Country because after a unfortunate death every department appears to be bad.
September 19, 2007 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jscampb (anonymous) says...
Thank you asmile0r24u. I am fairly sure that most of these people have little to no idea what went wrong that night. I only lost 1 friend, and that was too many. Far too many conspiracy theorists here....
September 19, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jscampb (anonymous) says...
hfdfireguy- I think you have said it all. thanks
September 19, 2007 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Nitelite, your opinions are obtuse; typical idiotic redneck thoughts with no substance. You HAVE to be a Mary-Clark transplant extremist with that kind of opinion. So you'll just blindly support anybody that's not Joe Riley? That's one of the dumbest, uninformed statements I've ever heard, but I'm clearly not surprised.
MY opinions and vision are what the city truly needs to progress or get out of that "time warp". If I could run for the mayor's office, I would. I don't want Riley to be mayor, I really don't. But a vote for Gregorie appears to be just a vote for a different person with little substance. You said I was incorrect in my interpretation of Gregorie's reduction of density in the context. Well genius, what is the correct interpretation?
It seems that quite a few voters, including you nitelite, prefer to still live in a city that celebrates mediocrity. This whole fire investigation is a testament to this mediocrity with a lack of modern equipment, lack of proper uniforms (POLYESTER?? WTF??), and contentment with the status quo. Gregorie doesn't want anymore "towers" over historic houses, which is a completely ludicrous observation. He wants to reduce traffic congestion, which is a typical campaign promise, all fluff and no substance. He seems to be even more mediocre than Riley. Go ahead and vote for him, but he won't be any better. In fact, I can't say he has a great plan for the city to progess through the 21st century, but I guess it's OK if the city stays absorbed with the past...and it will sure stay in the past if it's not careful.
September 19, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nitelite (anonymous) says...
icbmman,
don't what conclusions you like to jump to and fro from, but your statements are just pure assinine, just gluteus maximus to the ultimate level. The problem is that you are representative of what happens when you are biased, uninformed, but not only wear blinders, but have failed to realize that you are a official rileyite. you have voted for joe so long that you have forgotten what an option is.
September 19, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Nitelite, your name definitely implies that there is a light on, but there's nobody home. How have I been biased? How have I been uninformed? Instead of actually debating my comments, you resort to calling me a Rileyite, which is farther from the truth. Did you even read my post?!?!? I never have voted for Riley. I actually even tried to keep the comments on subject, but you managed to derail that as well.
You ARE a Mary-Clark extremist transplant, and your posts show it. Talk about assinine comments. You can't even use proper English when writing the beginning of your first statement: "don't what conclusions you like to jump to and fro from"???! Much less spell correctly: "option"? You mean "opinion"? Take an English class, buy a dictionary, and get a life.
September 19, 2007 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Boosterhose (anonymous) says...
Criticizing someone elses spelling is the last resort of an incompetent.
September 19, 2007 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nitelite (anonymous) says...
icbmman,
you are just full of it, to say you have never voted for riley, either you are a nothern transplant,(since you seem to know so much about me and my whereabouts) and as far as typos and misspellings, even with your head stuck in your A$$ you got the point. I don't know what your infatuation is with mary clark but i guess you rileyites use her to associate with any one who holds an oppositional view. and if, and i mean a big if, you have never voted for riley just who have you voted for since you are sooooo astute when it comes to charleston politics?
and lay of mary..you must got a thing against BBW's
p.s. you don't have to vote for riley to be considered a rileyite....just keep espousing your BS here
and before you state someone has little substance get your facts straight, you sound like the typical apathetic "non"voter,you said you didn't vote, and the way you speak of those who step up to riley , they"have no substance"..you don't have to worry about a response, because you are the "
IDIOT"
September 19, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
asmileor24u (anonymous) says...
Very well said hfdfireguy! I'm sorry for your loss jscampb. The memorial service touched me deeply, and I didn't know any of the Charleston 9. Thank you for your service to us, but also for your consistent attitude of love and graciousness. My son is 7, and he has toured the local station at least 5 times since he was 3. You guys are the best!
September 19, 2007 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Well, there seems to be alot of baiters on this thread, today. Booster, my statement about the spelling and language was just an add-on to nitelite's crap. I've tried to comment reasonably about the problems with the city's mayor and the lack of choices in the upcoming election. I even tried to tie in the significance of the leadership and how it pertains to the fire tragedy. And both of you have completely ignored my earlier posts.
I appreciated your comments earlier, Booster...you don't need to join in on nitelite's idiocy.
September 19, 2007 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Nitelite, I'm not going to fight a battle of wits with a person who's definitely unarmed. I was born and bred in Charleston, genius. Grew up West Ashley. Went to college downtown. I think I'm probably more "local" than you. So don't even try this "Yankee transplant" BS.
I voted for other mayoral candidates against Riley, but they were all defeated. Why? Because they were mediocre and had mediocre campaigns. Gregorie is just another one of the same category.
Your shrill tone is the reason why I say you must be from the Mary Clark camp. Regardless of what your beliefs are, that's how you come across. But you have no basis to call me a Rileyite.
September 19, 2007 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FiddlerCrab7 (anonymous) says...
Link to ABCNews4 report by Sarah DeMarco:
Mayor Speaks, Nothing New
http://www.abcnews4.com/news/stories/...
September 19, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
the only model CFD will be is to broadcast what NOT to do, we're a disgrace to the entire nation ... thank you Joe n Tom
city council says it's never turned down a request, if that is true then Joe n Tom are in even more trouble for not doing what it takes to keep their people safe and current
I can't believe ole Joe has the nerve to say we will be some kind of model, he must think we the people are all stupid
no disrespect meant to any of the firefighters out there, you can only do what you have the tools to achieve
September 19, 2007 at 5:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
east4 (anonymous) says...
27 recommendations and 19 have been implemented. WHERE?? I work there and the only things we have gotten are "Memos" I do not think that qualifies as implementation. Joe and Rusty are jokes and hopefully, by the grace of the citizens of Charleston, on their last leg. Please I beg you the citizens of Charleston to put pressure on your City Council person to get in the face of joe and ask what, why and how come as much as they can. Not to mention to go out and vote. Please we need your help now!!!
As for the F-up that joe had last night on the news- I guess we are not as important to him as he would like for people to believe. Calling Brandon Thomas instead of his actual name of Thompson is a huge slap in the face of all of us on the street.
What an A@#!!!!!!!!!
September 19, 2007 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Forget about city council, with the exception of a few, who have been isolated, they are of no value and can not and will not do anything that is counter to "The Joe". We need a new mayor!
September 19, 2007 at 6:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hebthree (anonymous) says...
I heard that too east4
September 19, 2007 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CFDGOODOLDBOY (anonymous) says...
We need help now, change now, before another one of our friends, is caught up in the present commands incompidence. Riley is blowing smoke up the public rear, every thing is exactly the same as before ,they have just tried to put a different rapper on it. Only can you people on the outside of this speak up for those of us inside. We can only hope things will change, so far we have seen no effort made other than a few words on paper. ACTION will be the only change we will believe. Show us you can do more than talk and some of us might come forward to help. Right now we will not, until it is proven to us that we can expect real change and help.
September 19, 2007 at 6:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nitelite (anonymous) says...
icbmmann
loosen up, you can't be so tight on these boards. a little debate is good for the brain.
September 19, 2007 at 6:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vesta (anonymous) says...
Anyone remember that Chief Rusty said that the "qualification" for all future fire fighters which he personally hires is that they have to remember the names of the Charleston 9. I guess if Riley loses the election, he won't be working for Rusty.
Riley states that he wants to improve the ISO #1 class rating. So, Joe, how do you "improve" the top rating??? It goes from 10 (the worse) to 1 (the best). Do you want to be a "zero"? I guess you already are.
Yes, Joe, you and the CFD are definitely the "role model" for all other fire departments. Many have posted that they have the videos of the SSS fire in their training classes to show HOW NOT TO FIGHT such a fire! This is in no way a reflection on the firefighters. They follow orders from the inept top!
September 19, 2007 at 7:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vesta (anonymous) says...
Kudos to the P&C, which continues to cover these stories, thereby exposing the ineptness of the Mayor, and the brass of the CFD and to Sara DeMarco of Channel 4 who had enough gumption to question the Mayor's BS.
September 19, 2007 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vesta (anonymous) says...
How underhanded! Joe states that of the 27 recommendations, 19 have been implemented. Yet, we cannot hear whether or not they all (the 19) have been implemented to date, except by one post above. We would like to see specifics. Of course, he also assures the public that all city firemen can "fully and freely express their feelings and recommendations." He does not say, "without fear of repercussion on the job."
Since Joe knows little or nothing about the fire department, I would guess that one of those 19 is "training" and he considers the 4 days the brass spent in Maryland as sufficient "training" for the entire department.
September 19, 2007 at 8:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
intheknow (anonymous) says...
Establish safety officer- Chief Kileski(yet to have any training)
Apply ICS- Almost All Companies have been at the drill tower for A five hour Training session.
Rapidly implement PAR- Not Yet
Reinforce apptopriate PPE- done
Initiate and Complete IC and Tactical Ops training for all officers- 4 days in Mont. County MD.???
Increase response to structure fires- done
Rapid Intervention team- Implimented with no training
Use plain talk on radio- done
Change water supply to Large diameter hose- Not Yet- About A year Away
Use 1 1/2" on structure fires ( no boosters )- done
Change standard nozzle config. and flow for hand lines-done
Assistant to the chief-done
wear seatbelts- done
These are about all the changes so far
September 19, 2007 at 8:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
intheknow (anonymous) says...
All these changes with little or no cost to the city...this is how you train 240 firefighters on a budget of 25.00 each annually.
September 19, 2007 at 8:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
intheknow,
Have the larger diameter hoses been ordered? DO you know what size they are getting?
Just asking, no offense intended, why just some of the companies training at burn tower, and not all? Is it a logistical thing or something?
Thank you for addressing some of the issues and questions.
Respectfully
September 19, 2007 at 8:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Has there been any word on further training for the firefighters through Capt? Not referring to brass...
September 19, 2007 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
intheknow (anonymous) says...
LDH has not been ordered...4 inch not sure about connections...All companies should be done by the end of the month...capts won't be getting the 4days 3 nights vacation to MD...
September 19, 2007 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vesta (anonymous) says...
intheknow: that is 13 changes, some of which you say are not completed, and 13 are still 6 short of Riley's stated 19. Doesn't sound like many changes, but, as you said, with a budget (still) of $25 per ff, what can we expect? Perhaps more honesty from the mayor when he is addressing the public.
September 19, 2007 at 8:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
intheknow (anonymous) says...
It' s Like you said vesta ...a model fire department
September 19, 2007 at 8:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FiddlerCrab7 (anonymous) says...
The city needs to demonstrate that it will make long-term, significant budget changes on behalf of its fire department. Although some changes are being made in response to the initial report, the city needs to show an ongoing financial commitment to public safety. The firefighters deserve better.
This is not a rural area that is strapped for resources it's a city of more than 100,000 people that is visited by thousands worldwide. The city has a significant budget (see link to budget documents) and tax base. Hundreds of homes are valued at more than a million dollars. If you search the MLS database, you can see the prices of homes currently on the market.
In the mayor's own words, Charleston presents itself as a "progressive and energetic city." The city needs to prove that in all aspects of operations.
http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/c...
http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/c...
September 19, 2007 at 8:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dog (anonymous) says...
I don't live within city limits...but if I did I would vote for another mayor.
September 19, 2007 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Intheknow,
Thank you...I knew the Capt. didn't get the "vacation" package for Md....I am referring to more of the training for the regular firefighters and Captains...advanced training, something?
September 19, 2007 at 9:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vesta (anonymous) says...
intheknow: It really COULD be a model fire department. It has some darn fine ffs. Without some of the brass, these men, under new leadership, and PROPER training and equipment, COULD show other city fire departments a thing or two.
September 19, 2007 at 9:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
intheknow (anonymous) says...
Nickie-
There hasn't been anything specific for the rank and file guys...
Thank you for the compliment vesta, I do work with some very dedicated men . A lot of the training these guy get are from smaller departments in the area where they volunteer.
Helps with that budget...
September 19, 2007 at 9:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FiddlerCrab7 (anonymous) says...
I'd like to know whether any taxpayer's resources were used to produce this YouTube video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?doc...
September 19, 2007 at 9:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Thank you, intheknow..I appreciate you explaining things for us
September 19, 2007 at 9:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wilmot (anonymous) says...
The CFD has not made any real changes. Just some memos saying that we'll be practicing this or that. No real training by the South Carolina Fire Academy has been administered or even booked. No hose has been ordered. The Chief has even gone around telling firemen that nothing is going to change unless the panel makes us change it. Wake up public! If your leaders are willing to sell out the souls of their heroes, then what are they willing to do with yours or your kids? The Charleston 9 were supposed to be Rusty's best friends. What are the other 241 members? Chopped liver? Lewis Mulkey was Chief Rusty's former brother in law. If he'll dishonor his memory by not welcoming the changes needed then he'll dishonor anyone. It's all about him. He and Joe are two peas in a pod.
September 19, 2007 at 10:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Wilmot..you are positive the hoses haven't been ordered? Let me know and I will get right on that one...If you can talk to me about the prospect of split bed trucks...It is my understanding that the materials are already there to create the split beds yet they won't change them over because it is extra work for the mechanic shop...wouldn't cost any money, or very small amount...Does that sound accurate?
September 19, 2007 at 10:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
The lawyers are going to have these idiots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What in the hell is the city thinking? I hope and pray that nothing happens before the changes are forced upon the CFD. Where are the city lawyers? Are they also job scared? It is just more and more unbelievable by the day. Hey Riley I think the CFD under Rusty is already a class 0 . Maybe you can fire him and hire his dad as the replacement then we could make a class -1. Is Russell Sr. your personal consultant on this one JOE? Everytime I see the commercial with Uncle Jed I think of RT Sr.. I can see the city's taxpayers are going to take a large hit on this one.
September 19, 2007 at 10:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vesta (anonymous) says...
Wilmot: The panel is not going to make anyone change anything. They are just there to recommend what should be changed. I would strongly suggest that each of the 241 who are not Rusty's best friends, start keeping a journal (not at the houses, but at their own houses) documenting what takes place from this point on. If you receive a memo saying "we'll be practicing this or that," copy the memo or keep your copy, document when and if you ever practice what the memo says you are going to practice. Document how you practiced it (under supervision), for how long, etc. If you are ordered to go into a burning structure without proper backup, document it. If you are supposed to get uniforms and you do not, document it. A month's worth of such documentation by a number of ffs would certainly be a newsworthy item at this time to the newspaper and television stations. I am sure the media would be willing to protect the identities of its sources, but check first.
September 19, 2007 at 11:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
Now everyone can see that Joe will do nothing even though nine heroic employees were lost. He definitely couldn't care about the favoritism or nepotism. O'Donald is a prime example of favoritism and nepotism. I hope osha inspected all of the mens helmets most are old throw aways from New York all bondode and painted to make some feel like real firemen.
September 19, 2007 at 11:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charleytowngirl (anonymous) says...
Nice to see so many new faces here. Additional support is just what is needed right now. For those of you who may not have commented on these forums before now I just want you to know that many citizens have been upset by the lack of response from the Mayor and Chief for 3 months now.
If you will read some of the comments on prior stories you will learn alot about what has been going on from the men themselves, fire experts around the country and plain folks like me, who are passionate in our quest for change and for the truth.
The men & women of the CFD need your help! Please take the time to send an email to the Mayor and City Council demanding change! The squeaky wheel always gets the grease! And the wheel is about to fall off!
We will never forget the Charleston 9 OR the brave men and women who remain in the CFD!
September 19, 2007 at 11:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charleytowngirl (anonymous) says...
good suggestion,Vesta! DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT! DOCUMENT!
September 19, 2007 at 11:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcaulkins (anonymous) says...
Chief of Department Thomas and Assistant Chief Gavin were in command of the Super Sofa Store fire. Their combined actions directly led to the death of nine experienced career fire fighters in what by all accounts was a "routine" structure fire. They should be relieved of command and placed on paid administrative leave pending formal review. There should be a separate criminal investigation to determine whether their actions constitute dereliction of duty and negligent homicide.
I am a Charleston resident and voter.
September 19, 2007 at 11:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bootlicked (anonymous) says...
What is sad is if they were placed on paid leave Chief O'Donald would be left in charge. He has always been one of the biggest freelancers on the job. Look back through old pictures in the paper and you will see him numerous times with no helmet(So you can see who he is I guess) and after the sss fire you will see him with burns on his hands probably from not wearing ppe. He and those like him are a big part of the CFD's culture of incompetence.
September 19, 2007 at 11:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cfdiaffman (anonymous) says...
While Gregorie normally wouldn't be my choice for mayor. This time he will be. We know Riley's record and dictatorship. He or Rusty could give a s**t about any of us. If Gregorie don't keep his promises we will have no problem voting him out next election. We have to put all we can into breaking the good ole boy cycle. Support Gregorie, he's our only hope.
September 20, 2007 at 12:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FiddlerCrab7 (anonymous) says...
Here's a 2001 article about the deep-rooted traditions, including the apparent earlier attitudes toward SCBA:
http://archives.postandcourier.com/ar...
September 20, 2007 at 1:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
jcaulkins,
I'm with ya...the charges will probably wait for a while, until other reports are out before hand...then their case is a slam dunk...
September 22, 2007 at 12:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
easy (anonymous) says...
OK, everyone.....
It's time to click your heels together 3 times and repeat after me........
There's no one like JOE !!!!
There's no one like JOE !!!!
There's no one like JOE !!!!
Now it will all be better once again, just like nothing ever happened, and just like nothing will ever happen again...
October 5, 2007 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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