Re: Firefighters, the union and angry faces -- Wilkes-Barre Now! II

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Date Posted: 23:58:21 06/19/04 Sat
Author: Most sense I have heard in a long, long time
Subject: Re: Firefighters, the union and angry faces
In reply to: Harry T. McCarthy 's message, "Firefighters, the union and angry faces" on 18:10:17 06/19/04 Sat

>I'm going to say a few things here that might piss off
>my union firefighter brothers. And maybe even the
>Leighton supporters. But most of us are angry at the
>administration for a variety of reasons. Some
>personal, some financial and some ideological.
>
>As firefighters we know that none of us are going to
>get rich doing this for a living. Anyone who enters
>this occupation believing differently should have his
>head examined. But we are paid adequately, and in my
>own opinion it wouldn't really bother me to not get a
>raise for a couple of years. I suspect most of my
>brothers feel the same way.
>
>So we accepted a contract that limits the financial
>burden to the city by suspending a raise and adds
>increased co-pays to our health insurance. Most of us
>feel that we were duped into believing that this
>contribution to the city would help hold off an Act 47
>scenario (which isn't good for anybody) and keep
>firehouses open and staffed. It seemed the right thing
>to do regardless of the fact that we didn't cause the
>city's financial woes.
>
>You see, the more houses that remain open and staffed
>properly translates to better public safety. And more
>selfishly, better firefighter safety. And you know we
>all want to go home in one piece at the end of our
>shift.
>
>So our give back was rewarded with a deconstruction of
>a great public service. Engines are gone that will
>never return, coverage areas are unclear, and we're
>told to expect more changes. Now the kicker is that we
>all know and respect our Fire Chief, Jake Lisman. He's
>an educated man who always looked out for the well
>being of the men in his command and stressed training
>and safety. With that said it's hard to believe this
>nonsense could come from such a man. It smacks of the
>bean counter yes men of the previous administration
>who thought they had a leg up on reality. Many of whom
>are still serving in the same capacity they were under
>McHitler. Could such poor planing be nothing more than
>coincidence?
>
>So can anyone out there tell me we shouldn't be angry?
>That we shouldn't have menacing looking faces? That we
>shouldn't be distrustful? I'd be happy to hear
>alternative opinions providing they ring common sense.
>
>Harry McCarthy
This post has made the most sense yet. I do not think certain persons out there also DO NOT understand this to the fullest extent and is only getting a one sided view of this sitiuation. People, you must understand if the fire dept. loses the manning number, the city administration can lower this number to whatever they want whenever they want, You must understand that once certain things are gone they are gone for good no matter if this city becomes financially sound or not. If you think otherwise you are mistaken, very sadly mistaken. And also please be advised that I hear the ambulances are also on the way out. This is putting YOU the public at a horrible risk, please speak out, this is not about politics, it is way above and beyond that ugly game, this is about safety, your safety, your families' safety, and the safety of your homes.

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