nfd2004

Memorial Day is a day we set aside to honor those who have fought and died for us. They fought for people they didn't even know. They fought for the everyday Freedom that EVERYONE of us enjoy today. But along the years I have seen a change to the Memorial Days I once remembered as a kid. A time before big Memorial Day store sales. The days of less partying and more honoring. Along the years, we have seemed to have lost the real meaning of Memorial Day. I think this song kind of explains it much better than what I am trying to say. Is America too young to die ? (It is NOT my intention to endorse ANY politician but only to bring this story to your attention). Thank you to those who suffered and endured so much for all of us. www.youtube.com/watch?v=viwpbElWLEM

The Truth is, "lets actually hope not. The Stamford thread discussed went on for years. It was called "Update to Stamford Merger" and consisted of a total of 69 pages and 2,063 post on this thread. The Fire department of Connecticut's Fourth largest city was being destroyed from the inside out. Not too many other threads on here got more attention than this one. For those who remember it, they probably haven't forgotten it. For those who never saw it, this ones for you. http:/www.emtbravo.net/topic24310-update-on-stamford-merger/?page=1 (SORRY I couldn't get this link to work)

Thank you for that information. My guess is that there will be standing room only with a huge number in attendance. Will those three chiefs RECONSIDER their decision to eliminate those eight career Port Chester Firefighters to bring them back ? Or will they stand by their original decision of letting them go to seek employment elsewhere ? In either case, this will give them the chance to explain to all why this action was taken. As volunteer members of these departments you will be allowed to make your decision as well. Will you support those chiefs for eliminating those firefighters ? Or will you stand by your Brother Firefighters in their support ? This will also be the PERFECT TIME to wear those Fire Dept T-shirts, proudly displaying your affiliation. Don't let people have to guess where you are from or exactly where you stand. This is the time when those Fire Dept T-shirts will really count the most. Let those chiefs explain to everyone, the reason they decided to take those eight career firefighters away. Let them explain to everyone why they readily endorsed this action, rather than speak loudly AGAINST it. Let them explain how the elimination of those eight career firefighters would NOT have a direct impact on the citizens they serve, as well as the many dedicated volunteer firefighters under their command. Should those chiefs reconsider and hire those career firefighters back, then they should be back as soon as possible. The longer this goes on, the worse it could get. If that's the case, then the City of Port Chester must also realize that these chiefs made an Unwise decision and it could be very likely that some type of legal action will be taken on behalf of those eight firefighters. So as I expect, on June 6th, many will be watching.

I would like to think that this thread has been an education without opening a book. Add in two other threads in which a serious discussion has taken place. The threads of: "Paid Firefighter lay offs contested by residents, FDNY/Garden City News" "Village of Port Chester Disbands Career Fire Dept". There should be no doubt in any firefighters mind just what side of the fence they need to be on. You have been presented with a well written group of statements, many backed up with facts. I commend those who took the time to speak here to explain the rights and wrongs of volunteer and career firefighter relationships. This story is not only played out in Port Chester or Garden City, NY, but many other places across the country as well. People are following these stories whether on this site or other fire dept sites. I know many members in Connecticut, both career and volunteer certainly are. Perhaps this was a "wake up call" to some who felt we could just write those career firefighters off. We now see that way of thinking kind of back fired for a group of chiefs who now may have to explain their position. They now may be required to give facts on why they felt the need to cut those eight career firefighters. When I would think, most chiefs would totally disagree with that decision. As someone mentioned, how would eliminating these firefighters make it safer for those citizens and the firefighters as well. I hope they have a good answer for that. As a retired firefighter and a citizen of a small city about 100 miles from Port Chester, I have been directly involved in trying to make small, but significant changes within that city involving career and volunteer firefighters. After meeting with the then city manager about some serious issues that I saw going on within the departments last year. These issues also greatly involved the publics and firefighter safety as well. One example was an occupied house fire in which a fire house with eight career firefighters were ONLY 1.8 miles away. They were NEVER called by the volunteer commanding officer. Instead two other volunteer fire depts. were requested, one from as far away as eight miles. Those career firefighters each spent 16 weeks at a firefighter recruit school to learn their trade. Yet they were NEVER called. In fact, those career firefighters are actually closer than the first due volunteer company. All part of the same city. There was another very serious haz mat incident in a warehouse and those career firefighters, including 4 Haz Mat Techs, were never requested until another Haz Mat Team responding some 15 miles away actually requested them to respond. There has been other incidents as well. With no positive results from the city manager, OR those Volunteer Chiefs, I decided to go to a local newspaper about these issues. I have provided to that reporter dates, times and facts. Within the last two months, one volunteer dept has called that career dept twice. Including one call to where that building fire was less than a year earlier. "I guess they know somebody is watching". As I understand it, that newspaper reporter is still in the process of conducting interviews. In 2008, a civilian died less than two miles from that career firehouse. All while the commanding officer felt the need only for volunteer firefighters much farther away. So as we see, its not only Port Chester or Garden City where some volunteer chiefs are very willing to put the citizens as well as his own volunteer firefighters at risk. I hope things DO change without getting into the newspaper. It just won't look good if that story comes out. So stay tuned as these events happen as well.

Trama - I thank you for posting this article. As I see it "volunteer firefighters can NOT replace career firefighters". There are just too many requirements put on today firefighters to get physically fit individuals, some with family obligations, to offer their services today. The training requirements alone take up a large percentage of time. This we see the nationwide DECLINE in the numbers of those joining the volunteer firefighter ranks. And many of those who do join, are often goal oriented to become career firefighters. The volunteer firefighters of America are a dying breed. Sad but very true. Long gone are the days of the local mill workers or the farmers leaving their jobs to help their neighbor in time if need. For a place like Garden City to loose the services of FDNY members as volunteer firefighters because they fully back their other career brothers is a double edge blade for this city. Yet, just about any career firefighter who also volunteers their services would be expected to do the same. Just recently, one career firefighter who is also a volunteer firefighter in his hometown, protected by a combination dept, including approximately 60 career firefighters, helped to propose the elimination of 16 career firefighters. As it stands that has not happened but clearly that was part of his plan. All while he collects a paycheck and benefits as a career firefighter from another department very similar in size, just 15-20 miles away. Needless to say, he has earned his own reputation among BOTH departments these days. I have hundreds of stories I could tell. Spending five years as a volunteer firefighter in one place, where everybody got a long great. Then becoming a career firefighter just about 75 miles away, where I soon found out I had entered a "War Zone". I couldn't believe it. That was in 1975 and it's still the same if not worse today. As for the other combo dept, they still run that career engine and the volunteer rescue truck manned by volunteers. All working together out of the same firehouse. I find it also interesting how my many friends, who are volunteer firefighters, respect career firefighters for what they do. "We'll, we certainly respect those VOLUNTER firefighters for what they do as well". Quite honestly, I could not do it. There should be absolutely NO REASON at all, why a group of volunteer firefighters would be willing to stand by and watch as career firefighters loose the jobs they worked so hard to get. If you are one of those volunteer firefighters who would rather see those guys in the unemployment line, "I suggest you think that over". As volunteer firefighters you are the guys who are supposed to be caring and compassionate of others. You should probably keep that in mind.

Yes PCFD ENG58, you predicted that way back on page 4 of this thread. The Stamford discussion had to be one of the most viewed topics on this site. As of this date, almost 21,000 views. Certainly a very popular subject discussion here as well. Too bad it couldn't be on a more positive subject.

Just a little story about another department. But this story gives a perfect example of how a group of career firefighters were dealt with vs a group of volunteer firefighters. I know because I was directly involved and a member working that night. Apparently somebody had taken photos of a few topless woman on the apparatus floor. They then proceeded to post these photos on a web site. There was no doubt exactly where these photos were taken. They clearly showed various areas of that firehouse with the name of the department, indicating exactly where these photos were taken within those walls. There would be NO DOUBT in anyone's mind about that. Of course within a few days, city hall gets to see these photos as well. The mayor of course contacts the Chief for an immediate discussion on this subject. The mayor insist that the responsible firefighter (or firefighters) be terminated. I remember it well as I was a newly appointed captain in charge of that shift at that firehouse. The chief wanted me to find out who did this and he told me that city hall wants some action taken. So I got the guys together and I told them what was going on. I made it my business to contact the union president as well, so that he would also be aware of what was going on. I explained to those eight firefighters that whoever did this needs to come clean. I also told them that if they did that, I would do my very best to "lighten the blow". I couldn't make any promises but I did tell them, "if city hall or the chief has to find out, I'm sure you'll be looking for a new job, or fighting pretty hard to get it back". During the shift, every one of those firefighters came up individually to say "they did not do this and had no idea of anybody involved". I believed these guys. Each one seemed sincere when they denied doing it. The next day, I would go to the chief and let him know. He told me somehow there was good evidence of just when these pictures were taken and it was our shift on duty that night. I repeated that to the guys. Still nobody admitted doing it. Some how after several days, the exact date came out. As it turned out it was New Years Eve and those same guys were operating at a fire. It was a volunteer fire department that was relocated into that firehouse, that proved those career firefighters totally innocent. Those career guys were out most of the night fighting a fire. Eventually the true story came out. Each one of those career firefighters, including myself, were in line for some serious discipline to take place. So what happened to those volunteer firefighters who admitted their wrong doings ? Actually NOTHING. But a group of career firefighters, who were busy fighting a fire about three blocks away, took the heat not only at the fire, but about an incident that they had nothing to do with. Proves again, should Chief Quinn be accused of making these remarks ? Until the facts are in, I must assume him innocent. But if that's his voice on the audio, might be pretty tough to prove otherwise. There is no doubt that somebody did say that. and I'm sure the culprit will be identified soon enough. Right now, if I were Chief Quinn being accused unjustly of this, "I would firmly deny it, just as those innocent firefighters did in the story I told"

No one has seen a more chaotic volunteer vs career situation than the two responding members of the Stamford Fire Dept. I am referring to the two above posters calling themselves "AFS1970" and "X152". Personally I have no idea who they are. Except that I have a few long time personnel friends in that department. I assume those that posted are career firefighters. For anyone, to make a statement such as the one reported by Channel 12 News is totally unacceptable. Somebody said it and somebody is to blame for it. Very often facts are withheld until the right time presents itself. We see that every day in a court of law. Apparently the person recording this felt the timing was now right to present it. I have to agree with that as I think this builds a better case for those eight Port Chester firefighters of getting their jobs back. Somebody, clearly is recorded as advising people to damage another firefighters home. Should the entire volunteer system in Port Chester be blamed for this ? Of course not. But I would expect those other members to fully support these firefighters. What if that statement were made by a CAREER FIREFIGHTER ? Does that change it ? Well, clearly there would be some type of discipline taken against that firefighter by a superior officer or chief. No doubt a price would have to be paid. Maybe a suspension and loss of pay, or termination. It is just not allowed or accepted for a career firefighter - ANYPLACE - to get away with that. Most career firefighters can be held responsible for anything they say or do under the rules of a semi military type organization. There is clearly another indirect lesson to be learned here by both career AND volunteer firefighters. Regardless of what you think, each and every one of you are held to a much higher standard by the general public. Let the office worker be arrested for a causing a fatal DUI accident and nobody really knows where he works or if he gives his co-workers a bad name. Let that same thing happen where a firefighter is the cause of that fatal DUI accident and the headlines clearly show; "FIREFIGHTER the cause of fatal DUI accident". The entire Fire Dept must carry that negative reputation around with it - Volunteer or City Paid. People expect you to be of higher character than their neighbor down the street. "I know I do". People will hand their sick child over to a total stranger in a firefighters uniform. They expect you to be of good character.

I did do a search of Port Chester Firefighters and was able to come up with the News Channel 12 story on Chief Quinn as reported here. Try this and it might work..... http://westchester.news12.com/news/port-chester-volunteer-fire-chief-Edward-Quinn-accused-of-telling-men-to-damage-harrison-firefighte-1.11840390 Or I goggle searched; "Channel 12 News Port Chester fire Chief Quinn"

This story is AMAZING. Eight firefighters, just trying to do their jobs, became the loosing victims at the hands of these chiefs. Apparently this has been brewing for awhile based on what is posted here. The fact that other volunteer members as well, went along with this gives those volunteer members a black eye too. As many know, "The Fire Service is following this story". Port Chester, NY is again (as in June, 1974) the focus of attention for the fire service. What would motivate individuals to hurt the same people they all depend on ? What will the citizens of Port Chester think of those chiefs and the members involved now ? The same individuals who were supposed to save lives and property, NOT damage it more. This leads me to ask, what are the qualifications to become a chief ? What happens if they violate the rules they are supposed to enforce ? In this case being that there is now an attorney representing those eight Port Chester Firefighters, if all is correct as posted, I'm sure there WILL be some legal action taken against those chiefs. As a Chief of a Department, it is expected that you do the right thing. You take a stand on what is right, even if its not the most popular thing to do. That's your job, putting the citizens and firefighters - FIRST. To encourage other firefighters to destroy anyones house, regardless of who it is, is way beyond me. For a group of fire chiefs to "RECOMMEND" the removal of eight career firefighters goes directly against anything taught in the fire service. Fire Chiefs should be looked at by other members of the department as Role Models. Citizens consider them the leaders of a group of dedicated individuals who are willing to even die for them if need be. These THREE Fire Chiefs, along with the volunteer firefighters who supported them, are not only a disgrace to the Port Chester Fire Dept, but to the ENTIRE FIRE SERVICE as well. Not only that, but I am sure when this is finally settled and over, it will end up costing (Not Saving) the taxpayers of Port Chester for the actions of these three fire chiefs. There is a Lesson to be Learned here. This story will go down in the history books of the fire service. If you are a volunteer fire chief who just happens to have a grudge against career firefighters, it is well worth your while to give that some serious second thoughts. You will do much better leading by good example and bringing out the best in both career and volunteer firefighters working together. Not only for the citizens you are to protect, but also for those who work together during some of the toughest, most dangerous working conditions any human beings face in a lifetime. The sooner those laid off firefighters get their jobs back, the better it will be.

Based on a few previous post, it seems many New Yorkers are fully aware of the issue. Here's how I found out. Last year there were a group of guys, all good friends coming up to visit in the NYC area. The group was made up of active and retired firefighters, EMTs/Medics, military and buffs. We were all getting together in NYC for a couple of days and maybe visit at a few prearranged firehouses and other places where these guys might be interested in visiting. I thought "why not make a visit to the 9/11 Museum too". So I asked a few of the local NYC guys how they felt about it. I was very surprised to hear that "NOT ONE" had visited this museum themselves. Many of these guys were directly involved on that tragic day. Their efforts continued on for months after. They all paid a terrible price from that attack. When I heard that New Yorkers themselves had NOT visited this museum, including many first responders who worked months there trying to recover their lost friends, "how could I go there and bring a group of friends to view the history of this 9/11 Memorial". We would pay money to view what so many of our very good friends had lost. The answer was "NO...., we will NOT go". And in total agreement were every one of those who had planned to visit from as far away as Tennessee. To be honest, if there were ANY museum in this country that our group, including myself, wanted to see, it would be this 9/11 Memorial. As an outsider, I was not directly involved. But like most people in America, and the entire world, we all watched "live" on our TVs as these tragic events played out in front of us. Many of us lost good friends and family members lost them right in front of our own eyes. "I AM NOT ABOUT TO PAY TEN CENTS FOR ANYBODY TO MAKE BIG MONEY OFF THE LOSS OF SO MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE". Again I say, "the choice is yours". But "maybe that's why so many New Yorkers haven't been there".

Just to report on what I have been told. It seems from many New Yorkers they feel this Museum should be FREE for all to see. Our Country already paid a very heavy price and just as places like Arlington Cemetary, we, the people of this country should NOT have to pay to visit the history of how America suffered on that tragic day. It was also reported to me that the top administrators of this 9/11 Museum are making large profits from this project. After hearing of this, I, along with several friends decided not to visit. Perhaps that is the main reason why New Yorkers are NOT visiting this museum, while outsiders are. Perhaps those New Yorkers know more than anyone else what a high price that was paid on that terrible day. Perhaps New Yorkers are fully aware of some of the salaries involved in this while outsiders are not. Take it as you may. You decide for yourself.

As I read through this entire thread it now appears that these eight firefighters should have never lost their jobs. Those jobs were apparently unjustly taken away without cause. My suggestion to those firefighters would be to ban together and seek legal justice through their own attorney representing this group. I'm sure they would also have the backing of the IAFF as well as other departments. It appears that many in the volunteer organization also would be willing to back them. A show that the Brotherhood is still Alive and Well in today's fire service. This type of behind closed doors activity can not be tolerated. As you read this, those Eight innocent victims of these chiefs are wondering what will be next. They were punished for no reason at all. And those three chiefs apparently didn't care who they hurt or who would suffer, including the citizens and their own volunteer firefighters. Now we also see that three of the Six Board Members never accepted the responsibilities they were assigned to do. Port Chester needs to bring those firefighters back to work. And as I see it Port Chester owns them what they should have never lost in the first place.

Correct on who to blame. No one but those THREE CHIEFS. Regardless of how any other members of these departments felt about this subject, it is solely the responsibility of those chiefs. As the leaders of the fire service, it is up to those chiefs to make the right decision based on what is best for its members and the public. "Those THREE CHIEFS Own this - NOBODY else". They had the final say. They made the choice. They are responsible. Not anybody else. However, it is up to the entire membership to realize just what these individuals did. They put YOU and the CITIZENS at a GREATER RISK in making this decision. It is up to the membership to make that perfectly clear to both the political leaders and the citizens as well. There is no denying it that without these eight career firefighters, EVERYONE could suffer. Any knowledgeable Chief would certainly go AGAINST this kind of decision and then let the cards fall as they may. I hope these chiefs are fully aware of just how this entire matter backfired on them. I also hope if there are other chiefs out there who have considered this kind of action, perhaps they should RECONSIDER. By making this choice, these THREE CHIEFS have not only let those eight Port Chester Firefighters down, but also its entire volunteer membership and the people who live and work in that town.

Okay Alex, I wasn't aware of this. Yeah, still crawling along okay. Got a few buddies who might be getting on the job down your way. A few already have. Being a career firefighter no matter where it is has plenty of rewards. Rewards that no money can buy. So for those considering this job, get your butt in gear. You have a lot of competition to face.

I know that is true with many departments as well. Although I am not really familiar with their operation, until most members gain seniority, very often that is the way many places operate. If the opportunity comes, don't let riding an ambulance or medic unit discourage anyone from making this kind of career choice. Just part of the job. You'll also be expected to clean toilets and mop floors.

Excellent point. Apparently those THREE Chiefs have not only put the citizens and their property at risk, but with their decision to eliminate those eight career firefighters, they have put their own members at risk as well. I am very glad to see that some of Port Chester's own volunteer firefighters realize that. It doesn't really matter which T-shirt or uniform you wear. Firefighters get hurt and even sometimes die while performing their duties. Those three chiefs should have NEVER recommended the removal of the "PC8". The chiefs have apparently proven to many the real lack of knowledge within the fire service they have. As well as the total lack of concern they have for those who must depend on them. For any fire chief to recommend the elimination of any firefighters under their command goes AGAINST everything taught or learned from past experience. The best thing those chiefs can do is to make amends and admit their foolish mistake by bringing back those eight career firefighters. The first step is to bring back those eight firefighters. The next thing for those chiefs is to readily admit how wrong they were. Fire Chiefs are human too. They make mistakes as well. But it is much easier to admit a mistake like this now, Rather than NOT admit a mistake today and attend a funeral later because they wouldn't.

Thank you "bigrig" for keeping us ALL updated. As we outside of the Westchester area continue to follow every move very closely keeping a watchful eye on "The Port Chester Eight" situtation. Not only is the job of these Eight firefighters at stake, but also the lives and property of those who depended on them. From sixteen, to eight, and now to ZERO career firefighters. "PCFD58" states, "it won't take long for things to go sour". Question - What type of fire service leader would be willing to risk it and go along with cutting any career firefighters ? I would guess that this also puts those fire chiefs at a liability if the worst case should happen by encouraging this action rather than trying to fight against it. Take my word for it, the Brotherhood is alive and well. And will be watching........

If Port Chester citizens allow this to go on without a fuss, then when things do go sour, they can blame themselves along with those politicians and chiefs. What makes it even more interesting this time though is that once again, Port Chester, NY, has been put on the map, just like in 1974. And now people in the entire country will be watching should something go sour.

How very quickly our political leaders forget. Earlier I mentioned about one of the WORST Fires in our nation history occurring in Port Chester, NY. The same place that just got rid of it's eight career firefighters. Less than 100 miles away to the northeast is Connecticut's Capital City of Hartford. In 2003, Sixteen elderly, handicapped individuals, died in a fire at a nursing home in Hartford. And just like Port Chester, the local politicians have also forgotten. As it seems now, the Hartford Fire Dept is facing the closing of two fire companies among their 10 (?) Engines, 5 Ladder Cos, 1 Rescue Co. Could the elimination of 8 career firefighters in Port Chester, NY or the closing of two fire companies in Hartford, Ct have a direct impact on human lives ? I would think so. Should that be a high priority for any local political or public leader of the fire department ? Is it important for us to have good medical insurance just in case we get sick ? Do I like paying for it ? Absolutely not, but it just has to be done.

Thank you for posting this story as well. We all get to read just why the mayor decided to lay off those firefighters. With 1,200 calls a year of which about 20 are serious in nature. In those twenty cases there are plenty of volunteer firefighters who do respond to these serious calls. As the mayor points out, he feels that the numbers required are clearly there. But what really counts are the numbers that show up in the very beginning. Those that can arrive quickly with fire apparatus and ready to make a quick attack if possible. The job is to save lives and property and a quick attack with a smaller crew is much better than a later attack with a larger crew. What really counts is how fast that response is with enough people to extinguish a small fire before it becomes a big fire. Therefore saving taxpayers their valuables and property, and perhaps their lives. Most firehouses with an all volunteer force are not staffed 24 hours a day. When the call comes in, those volunteer firefighters must first drive their own vehicles to pick up each piece of fire apparatus that is needed. This takes time. Something that these on duty career firefighters were able to do. Here is a video called "Why seconds count". You will see why it is so important to get to the fire scene as quickly as possible with the equipment that is needed. Mr Mayor, this one's for you. www.youtube.com/watch?v=piofZLySsNc

Thank you "Tranz426" for posting that story. We can see that the Brotherhood is Alive and Well within the Yonkers Fire Dept. Firefighters risk their lives for each other and sometimes even die for each other. That is the way it always has been and the way it always will be. I hope to see this kind of support continue and get stronger for those laid off firefighters. Laid off by some individual(s) who don't care about those firefighters OR the citizens they are assigned to help and protect.

If I read the above correctly, Five of the seven volunteer fire companies are willing to support those laid off career firefighters. If that is correct, "Hat's off to those Brother Firefighters who are willing to step up to the plate and do what is right". This could be a huge plus in their favor. Try to put yourself in those career firefighters shoes. They loose their jobs from what I am starting to realize over some political or power hungry individuals, who apparently have no concern for these firefighters or for the citizens who depend on them. If I were one of those laid off firefighters, I would make sure I never forget who supported me and who didn't. Of the Five departments whose members are supporting those laid off firefighters, is it possible for someone to post which departments they are. They deserve a "pat on the back and recognition" for what they are doing. Let the World know what True Brotherhood in the Fire Service is all about.

I dealt with this problem for my entire career as a firefighter. The active members of this department are dealing with this problem even more now. I was a volunteer firefighter in another town in a combination dept. We all got along great. Then I move to take the job I worked for so hard to get and I find out that I entered a "War Zone". Guys hated me and I didn't even know them. No doubt many of them resented the fact that I came from a distance to get that job. It was actually the sixth test I took and I finely got hired. I knew that a lot of those guys had families, train on their off time, go to calls in the middle of the night, then get up the next morning to go to their jobs, "JUST AS I DID". But now these guys hate me for the Job I do. I couldn't understand that at all. It took a long time for this to actually sink in. In the beginning I figured it was only a few. But soon I learned it was actually the majority taking part in actions against myself and brother firefighters. I wish it wasn't like that because many times when we needed them, they were there to help us. Also what I didn't understand is how could I have so many volunteer firefighter friends outside my own home town. They respected me and I certainly respected them for the job they did. Not only are we friends, but we really are Brothers with a common interest. Without a doubt, every one of those volunteer firefighters and officers should fight to get those laid off firefighters back to work. As Brother/Sister firefighters, "STAND UP FOR SOMETHING OR FALL FOR ANYTHING". We should be Unite'n not Fight'n to band together. Together we could represent a huge force in our purpose of helping others and saving lives. Together we could become a very powerful group with the ability of facts to back up what we say. But it's up to you, the vol firefighters to do it. Portchester Volunteer firefighters, tell those leaders and fire chiefs that you intend to get your Brother firefighters back to work now. Or Port Chester may need to find itself some other guys willing to respond to those calls. The ball is in your corner now. You have every right to hold those leaders responsible for what they did. And you have every right to demand they come back. You do that and I can pretty much assure you that no Port Chester Career firefighter will ever forget that. It would be a Win/Win for everybody.

Thank you "buffguy". That will give the readers a good idea of just what happened. So the "Wise Wisdom" of those towns leaders today is to eliminate those 8 career firefighters. I'm no legal expert but just "IF" something were to go sour in the future, I would guess those public officials could maybe be held liable for their action taken. Reminds me of an old saying I remember. But true today as it was then. "Penny wise and a pound foolish".