ex-commish

In another forum a question was raised about the liability of a fire commissioner. I have another question. Most volunteer depts have companies that nominate and elect thier officers. Can a board of fire commissioners over rule a company nomination? Do the have the authority to do that? There is an opinion dated back to the 90's by the Attorney General that says the a board of fire commissioners bear the liability of the actions of the fire company officers but does this in itelf give a board right to over rule company nomination or election?

Thanks but I am refering to company officers ( Capt, LT) not chief officers.

I am not a commissioner nor was I ever one but I am a former chief who had to work with a board of fire commissioners. First I suggest you maintain your integrity and don't let the position go to your head. Your are a public official with alot of responsiblity and are there to serve the public and not your own political or personal agendas. Read and understand section 176 under town law which explains the duties of fire commissioners. Listen, respect, and work with your fire chiefs and don't interfere with thier duties especially on the fireground. Don't adopt policies or sop's behind thier backs or buy equipment without thier input. Include them with all of your ideas. You will also have to vote on things like hiring people ( if in a career dept) or vendors to preform to services for the district. You will also have to vote on appointments of fire chiefs and do so knowing this is truly the right person for the job, not just the "allright guy". Probalby the most important item is the budget and buying equipment. Don't buy equipment because it looks cool or the next department has one. Buy stuff that is practical. Remember you are spending taxpayers money. Like any other elected official you will have to make decisions that may not be popular. Dont be swayed or play the fence. I have seen this happen. Stick to your convictions and do what is right. How you vote could impact your department for years. Treat all members fairly and dont play favorites.

This is all to common today. There are many unqualified people in leadership positions due the election process. It seems people who are politically correct and afraid to rock the boat are getting elected and current leadership especially in the district level who have the ability to make changes are only concerned about staying in office for thier own political or personal agenda so they are not willing to rock the boat either. This effects many things such as training and leadership which there is truly a difference between career and volunteer departments and I challenge anyone to make a case otherwise.

I feel the over all climate of the fire service has changed. At one time we could joke around, bust chops, and laugh about it but now you have to worry about being brought up on charges or sued due to a politically correct element and gutless leadership. One thing that hasn't changed in the volunteer side is officer selection. It was a popularity contest in the past and has now become more of a popularity contest now. If you fit in with the right crowd you are in. If you are willing to be a yes man you are in. If you If you speak up for what is right for the safety of the members which includes telling people they should't be in the fire department, you are out. All of the advancements posted in here are great and should be applauded but they won't be worth a damn if we keep "electing" dangerous, incompetent people simply because it is the right thing to do.

Must of been a slow news day.

Call me when there are openings in Florida where I will be retiring to in a few years....

Prayers for a speedy recovery.

Prayers for a speedy recovery.

This perp should never see daylight again but unfortunately we live in a very liberal society today so he will get his 3 meals, recreation, medical attention, tv, a warm bed, commissary..the list goes on.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of FF Joyce as well as the Yonkers FD. May he rest in peace.

As always my thoughts and prayers are with the Arena family.

Prayers for a speedy recovery.

I would hope that being disqualified from a parade would be the least reason not to have blue lights on the rig.

May he rest in peace.

We have to deal with it because society has become to liberal and these perps know it.

Mike Lyons....Squad 41 FDNY...Hawthorne FD...never forgotten.

May he rest in peace.

Any bets the ACLU files a lawsuit???

Is it me or is the City of New York flipped it's lid? Isn't this the same city that wanted to close down companies like the one on City Island and they take a company out of service to pour water on an elephant? What if this animal got violent and hurt one of the guys?

The world is a better place because of our troops. May he rest in peace.

May he rest in peace.

Sheriff Apraio is in my opinion is a man who answers to the law and not to the politicaly correct or the clueless media. He has been criticized and sued ( unsucessfully) for his handling of inmates within his tent city jail. He insitiuted a chain gang for female inmates because he believes in equal opportunity. Inmates in his tents complained about the heat which is over 100 degrees and his response to the crybaby inmates was that our troops are subjected to extreme heat over in Iraq and Afganhistan and they did not commit any crimes. He does not believe inmates should be comfortable at the taxpayers expense. He also has launched an aggressive campaign against illegal immigrants because he feels if the feds wont go after them he will within his county which is not well accepted to groups like the ACLU.