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Fire Fighters Political beliefs and Gun rights - who says you have any?
Buffalo New York Fire department administration believes because they dont like guns - they should be able to fire a Fire Fighter because as they said at a recent "Informal hearing" - "We know you have guns - we read about it in a 2001 News article - we are afraid of you!"
No this Fire Fighter didnt threaten anyone - no he wasnt packing a pistol at work - no he never was in any gun related issues or involved in any disciplinary action for any of the above ! No - the news article wasnt about "ilegal" activities - as a matter of fact this Fire Fighter was Federally licenced and found totally legit by the FBI and ATF. He had all the correct permits and records were deemed full and correct by the same two agency's.
So whats the problem ? Well it turns out that this Fire Fighter is a Republican and the admin is all Democrat. When this Fire Fighter went to a Union Meeting to debate a $26,000.00 PAC fund contribution - stuff hit the fan.
First the Unions PAC Fund didnt have $26,000.00 in it to cover this donation. They shifted Union dues from other accounts into the PAC Fund to cover it. Well the Union President forgot to inform the members or put it before the members for a vote. He also down played the amount given to his Personal/Political friend. When he was first asked at the meeting how much he gave , he said ,"$13,000.00" - but when this Fire Fighter said according to the "New York State Board of Elections" it was actualy $26,000.00 - he then said - he meant two checks for $13,000.00.
When asked why members weren't honestly informed or given a chance to vote on this "Donation" - the president said he didnt have to ask because the members voted to "form" a PAC Fund. So to him that means he can do as he feels with Union Dues Money !
Well , the harrassment started - A Deputy charged this FF with wearing a "Dark Blue Knit Cap" in the garrage area he works in . A garrage which is cold and damp , especialy after they remove the only sourse of natural gas heating , in the middle of winter - two months after he questioned the Union President.
At the "Informal hearing" about his suspension - the Admins first question to the Fire Fighter was , "Are you armed." Well that set the tone for the rest of the brief encounter.
What does Politics and gun ownership have to do with suspending/fireing a 23 year veteran Fire Fighter ? To date the Admin refuses to put in writing there reasons for their actions. Two lawyers have asked for them to do so - no reply.
I would have never believed this sort of thing could happen - I thought the Union was there to protect Worker rights. So far the Union has hired lawyers to protect themselves from possible law suits brought against them by the Fire Fighter.
So make sure you know your rights and dont assume your Union will be there for you - ask at a public meeting how they feel about gun ownership and make sure your not the lone Republican in the crowd when you walk into headquarters.
No this Fire Fighter didnt threaten anyone - no he wasnt packing a pistol at work - no he never was in any gun related issues or involved in any disciplinary action for any of the above ! No - the news article wasnt about "ilegal" activities - as a matter of fact this Fire Fighter was Federally licenced and found totally legit by the FBI and ATF. He had all the correct permits and records were deemed full and correct by the same two agency's.
So whats the problem ? Well it turns out that this Fire Fighter is a Republican and the admin is all Democrat. When this Fire Fighter went to a Union Meeting to debate a $26,000.00 PAC fund contribution - stuff hit the fan.
First the Unions PAC Fund didnt have $26,000.00 in it to cover this donation. They shifted Union dues from other accounts into the PAC Fund to cover it. Well the Union President forgot to inform the members or put it before the members for a vote. He also down played the amount given to his Personal/Political friend. When he was first asked at the meeting how much he gave , he said ,"$13,000.00" - but when this Fire Fighter said according to the "New York State Board of Elections" it was actualy $26,000.00 - he then said - he meant two checks for $13,000.00.
When asked why members weren't honestly informed or given a chance to vote on this "Donation" - the president said he didnt have to ask because the members voted to "form" a PAC Fund. So to him that means he can do as he feels with Union Dues Money !
Well , the harrassment started - A Deputy charged this FF with wearing a "Dark Blue Knit Cap" in the garrage area he works in . A garrage which is cold and damp , especialy after they remove the only sourse of natural gas heating , in the middle of winter - two months after he questioned the Union President.
At the "Informal hearing" about his suspension - the Admins first question to the Fire Fighter was , "Are you armed." Well that set the tone for the rest of the brief encounter.
What does Politics and gun ownership have to do with suspending/fireing a 23 year veteran Fire Fighter ? To date the Admin refuses to put in writing there reasons for their actions. Two lawyers have asked for them to do so - no reply.
I would have never believed this sort of thing could happen - I thought the Union was there to protect Worker rights. So far the Union has hired lawyers to protect themselves from possible law suits brought against them by the Fire Fighter.
So make sure you know your rights and dont assume your Union will be there for you - ask at a public meeting how they feel about gun ownership and make sure your not the lone Republican in the crowd when you walk into headquarters.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bobby King on
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What a Crock of Shit..
Sometimes I wonder if People have the ability to know the diffrence between a sneeze and a wet fart at times..
What in the world does Him owning a Gun have to do with Anything?!
If they are scared of Him then they should definately be scared of Me
Because My state does not require a permit to carry a Firearm or own one as long as Your not a Convicted Felon or have an Active Domestic Violence Order against You.. as a matter of fact its legal to carry a handgun in Your glove box
It looks to me like those folks are just using the firearm as an excuse..
When You outlaw the Guns ...only the Outlaws will have guns
Take a look at England..one of the Highest Crime rates in the world
Sgt King
Gun Owner/ Proud Republican
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Permalink Reply by Chris on
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yeah that is some BS. I have guns as well and law in my state is you can carry them to work and just leave them in your glove box or some where in your car.
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Permalink Reply by Rick on
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Its a mix of Politic's -anti gun and our Unions self interests. If your supportive of their one party rule and one Party donations - your OK !
The Union President has had a recent (2007) vote of "No Confidence" put on him by the majority of the Union members. He's on his way out - so many believe he is using our dues as "Political Donations" to help prepare him for a Deputy appointment.
They are using the "Uniform issue" as a cover for what was actually said at the "Informal Hearing" They actually , to this day havent committed in writing to actual specifications discribing actual offenses. But contrary to the contract this FF has been without pay sense March 07-2008.
If the Buffalo New York Fire Department can get away with this - who's next ?
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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on
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Is it a union policy to donate 13,000 to a candidate? Why not use the money raised for the personal gain of the union? I don't understand why any firefighters union would waste the money to endorse ANY candidate. Most politicians have a personal agenda and only vote via party lines on just about any issue.
HOw does a firefighter who owns firearms have any baring on a union meeting? Why were firearms mentioned? Was the firefighter known for bringing guns to work? Why would you keep a firearm in your glovebox? Personal protection is great, but when you bring your handgun into your vehicle you are asking for trouble.
I have a feeling that even though the union lawyered up that the firefighter should have no issue with being reinstated unless the original infraction entailed much more than we are told.
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Believe me - I am shocked at how easy they can do this. The initial exchange between the charging Deputy and the FF happened in a all but empty service garage (no witnesses) - Did I forget to mention the Deputy was wearing all street cloths and a bar jacket ?
Yes theres more to this story - since this FF was elected to Office (Town Council) in 2000 and he was the only "Gun rights advocate/Republican" and admin are all from the same controling Demo Group - the sheets hit the fan.
The Union Local president is a life long member of the same group and he along with 3 out of four admin are life long buds . They all share the pie . Even the guy the Union gave $26,000.00+/- to is related to the Deputy that nailed the FF.
The Commissioner and Deputies are "Politically" appointmented. But believe me these guys were Firemen - I guess $97,000.00 a year plus perks can change a guy quick.
Bottom line is - look at the charges - it doesnt add up . The FF is no trouble maker - never faulted for work habits or ability - as a matter of fact until he was elected in 2000 he was acting LT for a Engine/pumper for five years prior.
Go figure - I ask the same question - "Why was gun ownership even brought up" the new article they sited was 7 years old and it was about gun safety. No this guy doent pack a pistol at work - never even showed one to another worker. Never ever had a fight with another person. Just on the wrong side of the Political fence.
Last point - this FF exited the Political scene in 2004 - his family life is more important. Never a problem with his "Gun business , never a violation" past all FBI and ATF requirements , local State and Federal laws complied with to the letter.- FACT! Now this whole thing can be "spun" many ways - but the facts dont add up to being terminated without even a formal hearing.
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Permalink Reply by anne potter on
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I just applied for my pistol permit.. So what does that make me nurse,wife,mother,firefighter.. Oh yes now the boogy man... It took alot of paperwork for this and alot of money... to use politics for this big line of bull sh---.. Too bad... sad excuse
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