Opinion

Letter: Boston firefighter takes pride in his profession


Published: August 19, 2008

To the editor:

Regarding columnist Taylor Armerding's recent comments about "whining heroes":

First, I thought it was very patronizing the way he acknowledged that there may actually be some merit to how dangerous the job of firefighting can be. This was but a transparent attempt to soften any "offense" that may have been taken to his thoughts.

I will admit to feeling quite ticked off as I continued to read on about our union leaders' "constant comments" which he described as "self-serving." These union leaders were not elected to lead in any direction other than the one that best serves the men, women and families they represent.

But firefighters are part of the tax-paying public too! We eat, sleep and function much like other humans in the community. The bottom line is we are willing and do, if necessary, put our lives on the line for others in the community during our tours at work.

We will risk our lives for others based on training, experience and our commitment to the community.

Be assured you will find few public safety officers who knowingly tolerate co-workers being unfit for duty. If anyone is found guilty they should be dealt with accordingly, regardless of the violation.

We are not above the law, but are deserving of due process in the proper venue. And that venue is not the corrupt court of public opinion.

If you can't smell a political public smear campaign that has been festering for months, take a deep breath and get ready for a few more headlines just waiting for the nod to break. You may get a whiff during upcoming forced contract negotiations. The fire service is apparently a unique group loaded with undesirables riding the "gravy train," in your columnist's eyes.

Save the hero crap and just give us respect, fair compensation, proper equipment and training.

Everyone, including newspaper people, needs to use the word "hero" more responsibly and reserve it for the ones who deserve it — people who have served and fought to keep this country free so you and I can earn a living and pay taxes.

We don't need you to believe that we are in constant peril. If your perception is otherwise, let's talk real life and death. Some of the time, even most of the time, we are in no more danger than you are.

Regarding our schedules, did Armerding try his hand at editing because the math thing wasn't working out? We are on duty 24/7! We don't have six out of eight days off!

The schedule Armerding refers to is two, 24-hour tours. In other words, 48 hours on duty or 42 hours per week over an eight-week average. And not just when the sun shines! Not even only when someone has an emergency! Around the clock!

When we are called, we will respond. We don't pick and choose whom we serve. We don't discriminate whom we help and to what degree.

Most calls can be described as routine. Some are tougher to forget than others. Images from a few great moments in life while on duty remain fresh in the memory banks. Images from some horrific incidents are just as clear.

The only safe incident was the last one, before you went home. During my career, I've known many men — a few were friends — who didn't go home.

As of August 2008 the United States Fire Administration listed 80 L.O.D. (line of duty) firefighter fatalities this year in the U.S. That number is right on target for the annual average.

Surely you remember June 24, 1994!

Early morning, the TV goes on as I prepare to report to work while my expectant wife rests in bed awaiting the birth of our second child due in about two months. There's a report that three firefighters are missing in a nine-alarm blaze in Charlestown. Words can't describe the anguish of the next few hours at my house and later, my firehouse.

My wife had sat at the table with Cathy and Steve Minehan six months earlier at the Christmas party held and paid for by members of the Boylston Street firehouse. I hid my tears with sunglasses as I drove the engine (the taxpayers provided) to take Lt. Minehan to the cemetery. On the way, I was truly affected by the enormous show of support from the brother/sisterhood of public safety officers who attended and saluted Steve as we drove by.

That's but one of the reasons I've attended dozens of L.O.D. memorials across the country on my time and my dime — to show support to the families.

Unions, not municipalities, send vehicles and contingents to these events. These expenses are paid by association fees from the members. Taxpayer money is not involved.

Sleep easy tonight; your wallet is safe. It won't be tapped to send anyone to a memorial for any of the nine firefighters killed recently in California. I would bet there are representatives from the state that do attend on their own time, though.

Our "outrageous demands" are for equal and fair compensation and contract language similar to what other city unions in Boston have had for the last two years. Forced contract negotiations will continue and I predict the city won't like what the arbitrator decides.

Your columnist should forget the firefighters for a while and go after the big oil company executives. Maybe he can find some real "bad guys" to whine about.

John Forristall

Salem