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Permalink Reply by Scott on March 22, 2009 at 10:43am

Ain't Dept politics great!
Is this ex-Chief still an active dept member? If not why do the dept members listen to his orders?
We have a policy that no one but an on duty fire officer can cancel or modify the response to a call and not until they are on scene. It must be clearly stated what unit is making that call. No PD, former member or anyone else can call by phone or radio and down grade or cancel a response. At least one FD unit must go to the scene (it may be non-emergency depending on the call type) to take info for a fire service report.
Does the ex-Chief have a radio? If so have it taken away. The new Chief needs to step up and take the bull by the horns. But he needs the memberships support as well as the support of the board. Maybe have the PD talk with the ex-Chief about his actions. It could be impersonation of an official or if the ex-Chief has some dept authority as that can in some places. Was this particular incident him protecting a pal? That would be improper conduct in office. Document in writing everything the ex-cChief dose that is unsafe or against dept rules or policy. The board may not have a choice.
Lots of ways to skin that cat.
Sorry I'm a dog guy ;)

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Permalink Reply by anne potter on March 22, 2009 at 11:06am

I would let dispatch know he has no rights to call anything.. So if they hear from him they are to diregard orders until given by proper chief... Step back onto his toes let him know he is no longer chief... Stand behind your new chief let him know that you support him..... New chief remind the board new rules... Need to step up to the plate and let them know that if past chief makes bad call they are responsible and will be held to legal lawsuits if something goes wrong........ Step up to the plate and make it happen

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Permalink Reply by FETC on March 22, 2009 at 11:11am

Damn, I was thinking the same thing Scott.

If he is NOT still a member it is easier to handle, the next response continue to the scene, request the PD to respond, and if he is still there running his mouth have him removed from the scene by the police department.

Now if he is still a member, you have a serious issue because he still has followers, who will respect his orders. plus the termination of his employment was botched. The board or trustees are obviously under his regime as well. So you are caught in a bad way becasue he is still a member and he may be the senior fire official on scene prior to the arrival of the first unit.

These usually are sticky and end up with a really good chief just banging his head against the wall until he finally realizes that he doesn't need this crap anymore and seeks someplace friendlier...

Best of luck.
FETC

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Permalink Reply by Tom Poppe on March 22, 2009 at 11:21am

Is there a way to replace the board with more progressive minded people?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on March 22, 2009 at 11:22am

I guess he really didn't "retire" after all, did he?

I think that by getting to the scene of the brush fire and cancelling the response as a firefighter, he did so without proper authority and should be reprimanded. If he has done this before then he should be suspended by the new chief and brought up on charges.

There can be only one chief, and someone in your department needs to decide who that is. I would expect that the new chief would step up and take action to make sure everyone understands HE is in charge, not the "retired" chief. Suspension, discharge from department, removal from a scene by law enforcement, and restraining orders all come to mind.

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Permalink Reply by Joey "BigShow" De Piano on March 22, 2009 at 11:24am

I would go public with it ..let the community who pays the mayor and council..know that this issue is causing less people to become and stay fire fighters which in turn will lead to a lack of response to calls for them..if the mayor and council have to answer up i am willing to bet they will take action rather then be held accountable if god for bid some civilian is hurt cause of an ex pr&&K

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Permalink Reply by Chad Furr on March 22, 2009 at 1:58pm

Thanks for all the input. He is still on the roster. and has a radio. Half his family is on dept which makes it tough. He has half A$$ed fixed all the equipment over the last 20 years and now the duct tape and bailing wire is wearing out. The fire board is well aware of his antics but for some reason fear (for lack of better words) him. I plan on calling the board pres tonight. May cost me my spot on dept. but cannot sit around and let this cont. Our saftey is at stake here. Rather them shitcan me than let this cont. and someone else gets hurt or killed. Thanks to you all.

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on March 22, 2009 at 2:32pm

How about a vote of no confidence from the Department and bring it before the community. Seems they are the ones who stand to loose the worst. Maybe the members ought to just stand up to the knot head and tell him to take a hike. Sooner or latter someones going to get hurt or worse.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on March 22, 2009 at 2:45pm

It is wrong....dead wrong....Your current Chief has the position and the responsibility for all actions of the Department....I would contact County level and if necessary State level to get this cleared up as soon as possible.....Paul

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