Members of the firefighter's union in Pawtucket are sounding the alarm after a rookie firefighters — with only three months on the job — was named deputy chief.
“We were absolutely shocked that the mayor would allow his fire chief to proceed with such a reckless order,” IAFF Local 1261 President Eric Cordeiro told 6ABC.com after the 22-year-old probationary firefighter was named a deputy chief on Nov. 5. That's the department's third-highest ranking member.
“I think ultimately, someone with three months experience, to be in charge of such a large organization is nothing but detrimental to the public safety,” Cordeiro added.
The decision, by Fire Chief John Trenteseaux, came after years of union contract negotiations, in which union officials called for additional members in the department's command staff.
The union said no appointments were made for acting deputy chief during arbitration, and then this incident happened.
"The city seemingly was unhappy with that award from the arbitrator and now is undermining that award by placing a probationary firefighter as third-in-command," Corderio claims.
A statement from the city read: "The City of Pawtucket and the Pawtucket Fire Department are abiding by the contract that was agreed upon by all parties; the city, the fire department, and the Local IAFF 1261. This appears to be yet another deliberate tactic by the union and its president to exaggerate facts and present a reality that simply does not exist. The terms of the contract are clear, and the union previously agreed to these administrative roles as beneficial additions to our operations.
"The deputy chief role was agreed upon in the most recent contract. The hiring for this role was posted, and no union members bid on this position, despite having the opportunity. As a result, we selected a member in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement. The department continues to follow the contract’s language rigorously, as agreed upon and will continue to do so. I will never jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the community.
"It’s important to note that this position is purely administrative, and the department is functioning as it always has. We have also been meeting with union representatives in good faith to resolve any issues, and see this as a distraction from that constructive dialogue. There is no threat to public safety, and we are committed to ensuring that all parties adhere to the agreed-upon contract."
In response to that statement, Corderio told the television station, “I think anyone would agree that having someone with three months experience as the third-in-command of such a large department, 150 members, 18,000 plus runs a year, to have this poor kid in charge of the department as the third-in-command is irresponsible and reckless."
