The final callChief Rusty Thomas retires from the only job he's ever known, the only place he wanted to be By Glenn Smith (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, June 27, 2008
Video
As Chief Thomas steps down, he talks about his plans for the future and reminisces about his time in Charleston Watch » Photo GalleryChief Rusty Thomas Charleston Fire Department Chief Rusty Thomas officially retires on Friday June 27, 2008.
Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.A group of Charleston firefighters gawked as Chief Rusty Thomas walked over to greet them wearing a sky blue golf shirt and a pair of khaki slacks. They had never seen the chief in anything other than his crisp Fire Department uniform. "Chief, I bet the last time you wore civilian clothes, bell bottoms were in fashion," firefighter Buck Newcomb joked. Thomas laughed, knowing the quip wasn't far from the truth. For more than three decades, the Charleston Fire Department has been Thomas' life, a calling he often placed before his family and his own needs. Now, that's coming to end. Thomas, 50, retires from duty today, leaving behind the proud but divided department he has led since 1992. He says he has no qualms about his decision. But it's a change that will clearly take some getting used to for this third-generation firefighter. "It's kind of weird. All these years, all I've ever wanted to do was get up, put on my uniform and go to work," he said. "It's difficult walking away from something I've done for such a long time." The chief hung up his uniform for good on June 18 after attending memorial services on the one-year anniversary of the Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine of his men. The day also marked the 32nd anniversary of Thomas' first shift as a Charleston firefighter. It seemed a fitting time to begin his passage into retirement. Thomas has spent his final days in street clothes that his wife dug from their closet and a pair of brown loafers borrowed from his son. He's filled five or six bins with the photos and memorabilia that lined the walls and crannies of his office on Wentworth Street. And he has said a lot of goodbyes. Thomas wants to remain active in the community, but he has no firm plans, no clear idea what awaits him. He figures he'll take off the next month before hunting for a job. "I don't know what I'm going to do. I ain't ever done nothing else but work at the city of Charleston Fire Department." This wasn't the way he planned it, to go out on the heels of a jarring tragedy that shook his department to the core and split its ranks. Grief gave way to finger-pointing and criticism in the wake of the blaze, with Thomas at the center of the often-rancorous debate. His supporters — of whom there are many, including his boss, Mayor Joe Riley — defended the chief as a hard-working, model public servant who gave countless hours to any number of community causes and projects. A chorus of critics countered with calls for Thomas' ouster, faulting the chief for adhering to aggressive tactics and failing to keep pace with modern advances designed to protect firefighters. Thomas announced his retirement last month, one day before a city-appointed panel of experts issued a report that was sharply critical of the Fire Department's handling of the sofa store blaze. Thomas won't say what he thinks of the report, but he insists it didn't force his hand. After much soul-searching with his family, Thomas said, he simply concluded that it was time to go, that he had taken the Fire Department as far as he could on its mission to improve after the deadly fire. It was time to put his family first, he said. For years they vacationed at Folly Beach so Thomas could be close enough to respond to fires in the city. He bought his own scanner so he could monitor fire calls when he was off duty. When he returned to his James Island home at day's end, he always backed his vehicle into the driveway so he would be ready to roll if a call sounded. "The Fire Department came first — always," he said. A farewell tour One morning this week, Thomas drove around the city visiting a handful of places that hold special memories: the old landfill building on Romney Street where he caught his first fire call; the St. Margaret Street home where he battled his first house fire; the mechanics' shop off Savannah Highway where his father worked for decades as chief engineer. Thomas smiled as he stepped inside Station 8 on Huger Street, where he began his career. Photos of him as a young firefighter are still tucked under the glass tabletop on the captain's desk. The bed where he slept sits a few feet away from the old brass fire pole. His first helmet, with a big Number 8 on the front, still rides with Thomas in the back of his Chevy Tahoe. He also has a handwritten log from June 18, 1976, his first day of duty. His acting captain that day was Ronnie Classen, who will serve as interim chief until Thomas' replacement is found. Thomas still chuckles as he recalls Classen telling him to stay close as the veteran led the rookie into his first fire. Thomas was so busy looking around for flames that he walked right into the back of his commander. "There are so many memories with him," Classen, 59, said this week. "It's a tough pill to swallow to see him leave here before me. ... I hate to see him go like this." Thomas went straight to Station 8 when the memorials were finished on June 18. Earlier, he had broken down crying on the way to the evening service, his emotions spilling over as he approached the scarred earth where the sofa store once stood. But at Station 8, where he first pinned on his badge, he found comfort once again in the memories that linger within the ancient bead-board walls. Those memories, and support from his family, have helped sustain Thomas through a bruising year. He has always considered himself a "fireman's fire chief," a leader who took the time to know the men he worked with and the community he served. Standing outside Station 8, he can point to the surrounding homes and name every person who lived on the block while he was there. And so it was with the men under his command. "That is who I am," he said. "I am not a front." Thomas knew all nine men who died and considered them friends. He said he stayed as long as he did to honor their memories by making the many changes recommended by the city's expert panel. Out of uniform Thomas took some time off on a recent Tuesday afternoon and went for a walk with his wife. It seemed so odd to be out of uniform, strolling around on a weekday with no obligations. Then it hit him: This would be his life soon. It's a strange new world. For the first time in years he won't be driving his signature red Tahoe with "Chief" emblazoned on the sides, waving to citizens and answering calls for "Car 1." He'll simply be Rusty Thomas, citizen, driving an old pickup truck on loan from his Dad. "I ain't got nothing else to drive," he said with a shrug. Thomas hopes whomever the city hires to replace him will continue to move the Fire Department forward, make it something firefighters and the community are proud of. He senses that his department is healing, and he is confident it will endure. It always has. "At end of the day, the hose still has to come off the truck," he said. He paused and his eyes grew misty as he surveyed the old steamer trucks parked in the engine bay at headquarters. "I am going to miss this place." Reach Glenn Smith at gsmith@postandcourier.com or 937-5556. |
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Comments
This article has 42 comment(s)
Posted by ColdBeer on June 27, 2008 at 6:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can you hear it?
It's a collective "Who cares??" coming from the houses of all of the P&C subscribers this morning.
Posted by a_set_love on June 27, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMenB9Ywh2Q
Posted by 8theistic on June 27, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SHUT UP! THIS IS OLD NEWS. GET ON WITH LIFE YOU PnC LOSERS
Posted by SCmedic245 on June 27, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Real cute, talking about the comments above. I cannot say I am sorry to see the command change at CFD. It was flawed. The old must make room for the new. That means technology, methods and apparatus. The days of the "smoke eater" are gone and past. It is sad to me that 9 of my personal friends ,and at times coworkers, had to lose their lives to learn that lesson. I am sorry that the Former Chief had to leave due to this. But for everyone in the Department On this shift and many more to come I feel a sense of relief.
Posted by captrick007 on June 27, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Enough is enough! The fire department lost 9 damn good firemen. Families have lost loved ones and I lost 9 good friends too. The fire department continues to move forward through this tragedy. Many lessons have been learned from this fire not only locally, but nationally and worldwide. For all of you that want to continue to beat this dead horse to death, it is time to focus more on the future direction of this department and your own respective department. For those hasbeens and wannabes that have nothing better to do than criticize individuals, GROW UP! Use that penned up frustrational energy to improve your own skills and better prepare yourselves for what is to come.
The changes in the fire department are taking place, however most likely not to the liking of everyone who wants them in the yesterday timeframe. As the new chief and comand staff are being brought into their respective positions, those of you who think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence may be truly in for a rude awakening. That green grass may just be sitting over a septic tank!!
Buckle up and get ready!
Posted by LiveYourBestLife on June 27, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chief Thomas,
Enjoy your new step in life, it is well deserved. There are many who will miss the smiles and the many things you have done for this city.
Take some time for your family and enjoy each moment.
Stay well!
Posted by JAMJOH on June 27, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The P&C didn't write this because it's some new breaking story, they wrote it to show honor to a great man and fire chief. Instead of bashing the man, why don't you show a little respect and appreciation for someone that risked his life for many others on a regular basis. His done a lot more with his life than most of you will ever do.
Posted by carolinagal on June 27, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sad to see Rusty go...You will be missed.
Best Wishes
Posted by ColdBeer on June 27, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JAMJOH, I don't know Rusty, so I can't comment on his value as a "man". What I can comment on though, is his success as a leader. He failed. His failure cost the lives on 9 men. There is a possibility that more may die before all of the problems he caused are corrected. He is not a hero. The P&C article does not portray him as such. As a fire chief (and I'm limiting my comments to that specific area) he was a failure. As for his service to the community? Being a fireman is a GREAT service to the community. When you walk in to that job on daddy’s coat tails and then keep that job because you’re a “yes man” for an ineffective Mayor, the community service angle is somewhat tainted.
I know of 9 firemen that will never get to enjoy retirement because of Rusty Thomas’ failures.
Posted by tracy1750 on June 27, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Captrick007, good comments. Best wishes to the fire department and EVERY fireman, past and present. I hope that you are able to heal and move on. You are appreciated so much everyday. Chief Rusty thank you for your service to Charleston and I hope you find peace and happiness in your new life.
Posted by Girleygirl on June 27, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck to you Rusty!
Posted by reality_woman on June 27, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck Mr. Rusty Thomas, you deserve a great retirement.
Agreeably things in his career are if you will were a bit shady, he still risked his life as a fireman as well at onetime or another, and gave a lot of years of service.
We all need to let go, P&C stop posting stories aout the firemen that died and no more about Rusty Thomas, stop beating the dead horse already. In all the years of my life I have never seen such a crappy newspaper.
Posted by drp7773 on June 27, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Always need someone to blame, never mind that this business open up and stacked sofas to the roof and did not install sprinklers (even tho there is no way to prove if it would stop this fire) never mind they get a call that someone is trapped in the building so they rush over thinking a life needs to be rescued (and with any job or life you cant always go by the book) never mind that this business built a room on the back where smoking was allowed. Never mind if that was you that was trapped and made a call we know you would not have wanted them to come and try and save you because not being a firefighter you still would know better cause you know everything. Never mind that this guy was a fire fighter in the blazes and building for how many years before he became chief. Never mind that these 9 fire fighters knew what they was doing just like the ones did in New York. Never mind that this guy will live the rest of his life with any and all decision that he has had to make in such a dangerous job.what decisions have you ever had to make with people's lives in jeopardy???? I don't know you Rusty but thanks for being a firefighter and thanks for putting your life on the line in all the fires you fought and try and live peaceful.......
Posted by camo on June 27, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rusty - may you enjoy the retirement that others won't be able to......now Charleston, WAKE UP.....Rusty is gone, the sacrificial scapegoat for Riley, not that he shuldn't have gone, yes he should have, he didn't improve the fire department as he should have but that is water over the dam, hopefully a new chief will bring new ideas and improve on a great fire department and bring trust and dependability to the position of fire chief back to the firefighters.....WAKE UP CHARLESTON....now why don't you see that it is time for new thoughts and ideas to be applied to the city as well and get rid of Riley, you don't have to gobble up every speck of land around you to be a great city, take care of what you have and your citizens....and that isn't going to happen if you continue to allow Riley to be mayor....he was good for the city when first elected, and has done some great things throughout his dictatorship, but he needs to go.....so why don't you WAKE UP and do something about it at election time and not just lip service?
Posted by PalmettoHawk on June 27, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish former Chief Thomas well in his retirement. He has after all been a dedicated civil servant for 30 years. And for all the detractors (and I too, have been critical of his handling of the SSS fire) that would paint his career with the nine deaths resulting in his retirement, I would say, "For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels; And not the words of one who kneels. The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!"
Posted by ThinkAboutThis on June 27, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck! May life be great for you and yours and bring you peace and happiness!!
Posted by a_set_love on June 27, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can remember lots of his accomplishments during his term as Fire Chief of the City of Charleston -
1) He denied his men adequet equipment
2) He denied his men adequet training
3) He denied his men adequet leadership
4) He helped his friend, Mr. Riley cut costs, running
the fire dept
5) He misled the public and the news media about the
readiness of the City of Charleston fire dept to
combat major fires
6) As he brimed with arrogance, his style of leadership
held his mens "Lives" and "Safty" with utter contempt
Nine men are dead because of the actions of this man and his friend Mr. Riley, as evidenced by the fire report. I for one will not praise this "Good ole boy" bubba who endangered everyone in the City of Charleston.
Mr. Riley, what was the reason for cutting costs at the fire department, more money to spend on endless law suits against areas which don't want your dream of a larger City of Charleston?
Posted by 8theistic on June 27, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Put this topic to rest already! Don't burn us out like 9/11. Isn't there any other news? Oh look! Grass is growing!
Posted by dumbandlost on June 27, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
just remember this could be you in the hot seat and saying all this stuff on here. how would you feel when someone comes on her and blasted you for all you did.
Posted by a_set_love on June 27, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, its always great to watch Gods' grass grow. All we have to do is mow it every so often. Great eye for detail, 8theistic.
Posted by a_set_love on June 27, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dumbandlost - just remember this could be you in the hot seat and saying all this stuff on here. how would you feel when someone comes on her and blasted you for all you did.
It would make me feel very sad. Especially if I had just buried 9 good men because of my stupidity.
Posted by ColdBeer on June 27, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The God of Beer does grow some very pretty grass, doesn't he?
dumbandlost, if I'm ever responsible for the deaths of 9 men, or even just one man, I'd expect to get blasted and it would be justified.
Posted by dumbandlost on June 27, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
those nine good men were my friends and i miss them everyday. but why don't you all just let it lye and get over it. i have and i can move on now knowing he is retrired and not there anymore
Posted by Tammie on June 27, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Enjoy your retirement Rusty.
Posted by CaptPete on June 27, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chief:
Good job.
Thank you
Posted by carolinapanther on June 27, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Enjoy your retirement, Thanks for all you have done.
Posted by 8theistic on June 27, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
god who?
Posted by frenchsmom on June 27, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He did not kill nine men - the idiot that owns the SSS killed 9 men - one of them my son. You hear so much crap about the dept. but where are the articles about two of the SSS having a combined total of 17 violations just lastweek.
Seems like he hasn't yet accepted his responsibility in this tradgedy. The Chief ( he will always be Chief to my family) has suffered with us through this whole nightmare. He has been there to help in anyway he can, he has supported us, cried with us and still did everything in his power to change and improve the dept. Goldstein has done nothing but try to pass the blame to anyone he can.
Posted by a_set_love on June 27, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
None of the members of the City of Charlestons fire department are an expendable commodity, Mrs. French. The problem has grown much larger than the needless death of 9 firefighters.
The duty of the fire chief is to ensure that his men have up to date training, the best equipment affordable and to provide quality leadership. Leadership honed from the tragic lessons firefighters have already experienced.
He was the fire chief yet had no clue what he was doing. The Charleston fire department still isn't skilled well enough to handle a major fire in one of the large buildings in the City of Charleston.
His lack of leadership has created a Clear and Present danger to all living in the City of Charleston. It will take time and earnest training to overcome the damage he and Mr. Riley have done.
I am sorry for your loss.
Posted by imoc82 on June 27, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most of you people make me sick. You are no better than the sleazy papers that make money off of dragging people through the mud. I really would like to know what most of you do for a living. Is scanning every article looking to make fun of people you don't even know really bring joy to your life. Rusty is a good man that may have made some mistakes but he doesn't deserve all of you people judging his life. What would people say about your lives? I'm sure we have all made mistakes. At the end of the day we are all human. Your poor feelings of this man would not stop him from running into your burning house and pulling your sorry ass out. Would you then even have the guts to cross the street and thank him. You should all really think before you type this bs.
Posted by a_set_love on June 27, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That same line of thought, is what got 9 men killed. I really hope you are not in a leadership position in the City of Charleston fire dept.
Posted by frenchsmom on June 27, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That line of thought is not what killed nine men. Why is everyone so ready to lay the blame on the dept. alone? Nobody seems to give a flying flip that the owner of that store blatantly disregarded rules and safety for the all mighty dollar. Read the reports, the dept made mistakes but had the building not violated every code imaginable and placed safety of human life over the expense ( don't say he couldn't afford it give up a beach house or summer cruise to pay for it)things probably would have turned out much differently.
Posted by bootlicked on June 27, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The heroes did what they were taught. They weren't taught nearly enough. Leadership of the CFD is the direct cause Mrs. French get your head out of the sand. Yes the SSS was a dangerous building but over half of the buildings in Charleston are of the same construction. These men should have been taught about the dangers that they faced. I too lost several close friends that were like family and I have some knowledge of the fire service. A lot more than RT as a matter of fact. I know what you are going through but to praise an incompetent man who lead your son to his death is the same ignorance that kept RT in charge so long. Face the facts . More will be coming. I guess Rusty is your expert. Don't worry Mr. Goldstien will have some of the blame but RT should carry the most. Your son was a heroe like most of the guys on the CFD. I used to be one along with my dad and we both seen it coming. Too bad noone cared about our criticism because they were bs'd by the master of bull (RT). Sorry for your loss but look at the facts if you can read. Rusty has not only lead to nine deaths which easily could have been more but he has also torn families apart. No matter what happens to Rusty your son will always be a heroe. He should have cried I guess if you could have seen the tears I've shed maybe you would listen to me or the others like me that know or some that didn't but can read and comprehend.
Posted by bootlicked on June 27, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh and by the way it was so fitting that Rusty and Parrish shared the same page. Both will pay.
Posted by bootlicked on June 28, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not a front. O.k. either was Al Parrish.
Posted by dadsemt on June 28, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Charleston Fire Department lost a Chief who did what he felt was right. For many years the department was held together by gum and glue. Chief Thomas deserves a note of "Thanks" for accepting a position that few want. I am however glad to see him go. Those who blame the Sofa Superstore for the loss of life need to look at both, the City and the store. They are both at fault.
Chief Thomas, as a firefighter, I would have had respect for you if after the fire you said, "yes, we made a mistake." instead of, "We have done it this way since 1890 and are not going to change." I feel for your men, and your officers that you lead astay.
In the end, you did what you could do. It was not enough for your department. Thanks for at least trying.
As for the City of Charleston, How about doing fire and code inspections? Guess what, if you did these we may not have lost 9 friends. In the end, everyone needs to learn from this. Please give "The Chief" some respect.
Posted by dadsemt on June 28, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Reading through the articals, Mrs. French, I can accept the fact you blame the store. However, it's a number of faults that brought this about.
1 - Fire inspections were not done by either the Fire Department or the City.
2 - Building and Codes did not keep a check of the business in their area for changes.
3 - The Fire Department did no pre-planning of their commercial buildings.
4 - The Sofa Superstore made improper changes and additions.
As a past Fire Inspector and Code Enforcement, I see all the fault, not just the store itself. Your son went to work for a department he respected. He gave his life protecting the City and doing what he loved. That in itself is a great honor for you, your family, his wife and child. Thank you for raising a Son who loved his job and looked forward to it every day. My prayers and thoughts also go out to the other 8 families. They gave their life doiong what they loved to do every day. Thanks.
With that being said, the residents of Charleston need to get with their City Councel and make them hire someone to lead the deaprtment. Proper leadership brings knowledge and wisdom. Experiance is not the best teacher.
Posted by a_set_love on June 28, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Mr. Riley had not ordered the price of initial hookup and running of fire suppression sprinkler systems to such an astronomically high price it might have been installed. That system would have put the fire out, with no dispute.
Why didn't the fire chief publicly denounce this practice and go to Mr. Riley, the mayor, to demand a change? We wait you answer, Mr Thomas. You did realize that Mr. Riley had placed your men in needless danger, didn't you?
Goldstien and other businessmen chose not to pay Mr. Rileys high price. Goldstien would have saved insurance money by installing a fire suppression sprinkler system.
After nine firefighers died in the blaze, Mr. Riley publicly ordered the price for hookup to the water system to go away and it did. It must be great to be a member of the Commissioners of Public Works, (oops, Charleston Water System) right, Mr. Riley.
Mr. Riley, what was the reason for the fire suppression sprinkler systems cost of hookup to be put up to such an astronomically high price? Was it to find more money to spend on endless law suits against areas which don't want your dream of a larger City of Charleston?
Posted by frenchsmom on June 28, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First Bootlicked how dare you tell me to get my head out of the sand!! I have said mistakes were made by CFD and other City officials I just want ALL at fault held accountable and the owner of that store has accepted no responsibility and even had fines reduced for changes he made at the new store - the City hasn't been given any breaks so why should he. He learned his lesson so well that he had 14 violations in one store and 3 in another just last week. He sure as hell can't say he didn't know the rules this time. How do you pre plan in a building that changes it's layout on a daily basis? I too am furious that inspectors didn't do their jobs - one safety commissioner didn't even know what his job description was. My son was proud of his profession and he gave it all he had. He had been involved in the FD since age of 14. He had more certifications by the time he turned 18 than most "seasoned" firefighters had. I know because I had to sign waivers giving him permission to take the training. He wanted to know everything he could about whatever situation came up. Thank God our Senators and Congress over rode Sanford's veto and the sprinkler bill will now be a state law and not decided by indiviual cities or towns. I want change at all levels.
Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on June 29, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BOOTLICKED.......I WOULD RATHER CALL YOU BOOTKICKED !!!
HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO A GRIEVING MOTHER LIKE THAT!!!!!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!
YOU LACK COMPASSION AND COMMON SENSE!!!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME????!!!!!
GO CRAWL BACK UNDER YOUR ROCK AND WAIT FOR THE NEXT ARTICLE OF SOMEONE THAT HAS DIED SO YOU CAN ATTACK THEM TOO.....
THAT SEEMS TO BE YOUR STYLE!!!!!
GEEZE!!!!!! TACTLESS BOOTLICK!!!
UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
never forgetting to HONOR OUR FALLEN 9 BROTHERS,
missy grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by bootlicked on June 29, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Calling RT incompetent by no means is bashing the CFD rank and file. Goldstien will be held accountable. Remember the city paid thousands to get their fines reduced. Mr. Goldstien is up against some of the best lawyers in the world don't worry Mrs. French. What chaps our behinds is the I love Rusty shirts. You might as well ware a I love Herb shirt. The problem is that you can go into any furniture store in the state and walk around it everyday for a year and if it catches fire and you try to fight it with incompetent leadership that has less training than your son the same results will happen because if your own house catches fire it is hard to find your way out if you can't see your hand in front of your face.. Most all stores of this nature are widely known as death traps. Fires are fought like this everyday worldwide and most of the time everyone goes home. How about a fire at any highly hazardous building if your command is supposed to be the brains of the situation and they aren't this will happen. The city and Rusty Thomas ,who wasn't ever suspended and the only thing that he can be proud of is that he only used one sick day in his career,has been given more breaks than Goldstien in everyone elses eyes. Rusty took a lot of time off must have used vacation days. Rusty is just someone who's whole career was given to him. All of the money waisted on his last years salary could have bought many a TIC which if used that night could have saved everyone. Once the victim was rescued the men should have been called out. Screw the furniture. You are definitely going to have change because it is being forced on the city now. Sorry for your loss. I never had the chance to meet your son but I wish I had. Seemed like a fine gentlemen and firefighter. Don't worry Mrs. French he and everyone responsable will pay. Rusty shore hasn't had to pay yet. Rusty has only been praised , I haven't heard anyone praise Mr.Goldstien. Rusty or his cadre of bootlicks are not the CFD so don't get them confused with the real men and women who get the job done. I'm on your side.
Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on June 30, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
YES...AND LIKE SHE SAID....THEY SEE THAT THEY MADE MISTAKES.
THEY SEE THAT RUSTY IS GONE NOW.......HE PAID HIS PRICE...
MR. GOLDSTIEN IS THE ONE THEY ARE UPSET ABOUT GETTING AWAY WITH ALL HIS FAULTS! I PRAY UR RIGHT BOOTLICKED....I PRAY THOSE LAWYERS NAIL HIM GOOD. THE FAMILIES AND OUR 9 GUYS NEED JUSTICE FOR THAT JERK NOT FOLLOWING THE LAWS IN THE FIRST PLACE!
never forgetting together,
missy