Comments on: Boston Firefighters Refuse to Play "Roulette"

By: Frank

Frank — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:28:55 +0000

Clearly, you folks don’t know the full story. BFD had a system where dozens of firefighters would call out sick each day so dozens of other firefighters could work the shift on overtime. The fire department historically blew through their budgeted amount by millions of dollars. No more– if any more than 12 firefighters (about 10%) on a shift, they don’t call any more overtime. Funny thing happened– firefighters don’t call out nearly as often any more now that they realize the OT is going away and the brownouts have been pretty much eliminated– just what the mayor and fire commmissioner were trying to accomplish.

By: tom

tom — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:17:44 +0000

I feel the mayor of the city of boston is playing a dangerous game with shutting comming down for a day and then going to another part of the city and doing the same.

The Fire Department has been throw enough already this year with the death of LT. KEVIN KELLY R.I.P they found out that was due to the mayor not wanting to put the money out to make sure the trucks where safe.

If the mayor want to make cuts then why dose he not look in his own office and figure out what he dose not need and leave are brother and sister firefighter alone let them do there jobs stop with the brown out before u lose another firefighter or a life of a innocent person.

By: Larry Taggart

Larry Taggart — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:24:46 +0000

It is to bad that the city has to close three stations, but in this economic climate they are lucky that is all that has happened. I do not applaud the members that are manning the companies, they can be arrested for stealing city property. I see that both the commisioner and the mayor have said to leave everything alone. It appears that the members are not listening. The other problem is, what about your retirement if you get hurt while working one of these companies. I don’t think the members want to hurt thier families. I am a retiter IAFF members, but am also a realist and members have to look at what might happen.

By: Larry Parsons

Larry Parsons — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:24:23 +0000

Is this the same IAFF that is pushing for the two-hatter legislation. It is very nobel of them to volunteer but what about all the men and women who do it and are not career firefighters.

By: Freddie

Freddie — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:29:50 +0000

If these firefighters are so concerned about providing fire protection, why do they call in sick so much??

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:08:50 +0000

Good job guys! Way to take pride in your work! This sounds like a page right out of Chief Lasky’s “Pride and Ownership” handbook.
Unfortunately, our ability to always to “do more with less” seems to bite us in the end. Keep it up and get the press on your side. If the press and public stay on your side, lets see if the politicians dare to be against you then…

By: Andrew Economedes

Andrew Economedes — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:45:35 +0000

sure is interesting that it is ok for these guys to volunteer due to lack of funds but a community that has all volunteers becacuse it can’t support paid personnel is taking jobs away. I’m sure IAFF would have an “excuse” saying this is different.
P,S, I am an IAFF member and a very proud volunteer ff-second generation by the way!!

By: Brandon Braam

Brandon Braam — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:34:30 +0000

Good job boys!
Stick to your guns, show the city what you think of this BS!

By: JFD

JFD — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:45:26 +0000

The fire service is a para-military operation. There is a chain of command. You can respectfully disagree with a decision and/or go through your representation. Defying orders is insubordination, and should be dealt with promptly, in spite of the emotions involved.

By: Mark Bickford FF/EMT

Mark Bickford FF/EMT — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:51:57 +0000

This is a commendable move by 718’s members. I caution that they be careful because Mayor Mumbles will try to drastically cut their budget even further and then expect the guys to volunteer. I’m sure the lawyers will be stepping all over each other to represent any guy that is punished for going on a run.