Charleston Firefighter's Association Local 61
"Never Forget"
Next Meeting May 14th, 2008 at 7:00 PM
1820 Belgrade Ave., Charleston, SC
NIOSH Draft Report
While everyone must keep in mind that this is only a draft of the NIOSH report, it is still very informative. We feel that the true backbone on the report will be in the recommendations that will be included in the final report. We will ecercise our right just as the city will do to include important input to this report. Download the NIOSH Draft Here.
An Historic Event in Charleston May 6, 2008
Not only was Mayor Riley's reversal of his decision to withhold the Routley Report historic, but so was the fact that City Hall was packed to the brim with not only Local 61 firefighters but with firefighters from many areas including fire chiefs supporting us. I have never felt prouder than I was Tuesday night seeing so many firefighters standing together. I want to thanks all the brothers and sisters that stood with us.
After the council meeting I had several firefighters thank me for my role in putting pressure on the city to do the right thing. I want to make it perfectly clear that no one person made this happen. This was a widespread effort by many people including the President and staff of the IAFF, the great reporting and support we have gotten from Jay Lowry, editor of Firefighterhourly.com and many others. I would like to give special thanks to CFD retiree Ricky Koger and Former CFD firefighter Matt Thomson. They have played a special role in helping Local 61 move forward and of course the entire Local 61 Executive Board.
We still have a hard road ahead of us but at least we are back on the right track again.
Once again, Thanks to everyone.
Roger Yow - Local 61
This is a Call to Honor the Charleston 9
All FIREFIGHTERS, be at Charleston City Hall at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008. We ask that everyone conduct themselves in a professional manner. If the City Hall is full we will stand on the sidewalk around city hall.
Local 61 members, we want to keep everyone updated on current events, if you are not getting emails from Local 61 we must not have your current email address. Email me at president@local61.com and we will put you on our email list.
IAFF Press Release 5/4/08
Mayor Riley Endangers Fire Fighter Lives with Sofa Store Report Cover-up
IAFF and Local 61 to initiate legal, political, public pressure campaign over Sofa Store fire report delay
Washington – International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger issued this statement today about the long delay of the Sofa Super Store investigative report announced by Mayor Joe Riley late Friday evening.
“If Mayor Joe Riley is serious about keeping the fire fighters he is responsible for safe on the job, he needs to release the investigative report by the panel of experts immediately. The report is finished and all stakeholders - Charleston fire fighters, families of the fallen Nine, citizens - want it out now.
"The expert panel that produced the report said they discussed and used information from federal investigations, so that fake excuse used by Mayor Riley to attempt to indefinitely delay and bury it has been exposed as a fraudulent tactic.
"The reality is the report is said to detail flaws in the practices of the Department’s command. Any delay in releasing the report is another day the Mayor is irresponsibly risking the lives of the men and women who serve the city under the most dangerous of circumstances.
“The report is not the property of the Mayor. The report is the property of the citizens of Charleston, reflecting their own civic responsibility to their fire fighters, and releasing it now is the Mayor’s special obligation to the Nine.
"The panel should formally turn the report over to the Mayor and the citizens of Charleston without delay this Tuesday, as originally planned.
“My job is to protect the men and women of IAFF Local 61, and I have already authorized the strongest legal, political and public pressure campaign we can muster to reverse this dangerous, malicious delay.
“We will appeal directly to the citizens and ask them to express their outrage. We will appeal to the media to make sure the Mayor’s negligence regarding fire fighter safety is exposed. We will appeal to the City Council. Beginning this Tuesday, we will appeal to federal and state officials and elected leaders in South Carolina to bring pressure on Mayor Riley, and to the courts if appropriate."
IAFF General President
Harold A. Schaitberger
Cities attempt to Hide the Truth is a Disgrace
The recent actions by the City of Charleston to again delay the Routley Report is an outrage and another slap in the face to the nine families and all Charleston firefighters. There is no reason to keep hiding the truth and the facts from the public and our firefighters any longer. The so called new information is just another smoke screen put out by the city. Gordon Routley says the panels report is finished and ready for release. I believe the report is truthful and factual and it most likely shows what everyone already knows and that is the fire department has been led by incompetent leadership for many years and the outcome of June 18th, 2007 might could have been avoided if the fire department would have been up to modern standards. Mayor Riley may be taking advise from his legal team to withhold these reports but the reasons he is giving just don't wash. It is clear that he is only concerned about the cities reputation in this matter. We are deeply concerned about the health and well being of our nine families and our firefighters. This is a damaging blow and another set back to the healing that needs to take place. This is a disgrace to the honor of our nine fallen brothers. How can anyone have any trust in the City of Charleston leadership after this deceitful attempt to hide the truth?
I urge all Charleston firefighters to be at the Charleston City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 6th at 5:00 PM. No one has to speak if they don't want to. Your presence their will speak for you. It is time to stand up for our nine fallen brothers.
Want to know what the IAFF is all about?
Be a part of making the CFD the best it can be.
Join IAFF Local 61 and be a part of building YOUR future.
2008 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial
The 2008 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008. It was decided at the March meeting that VP Brian Conley and two other uniformed members will attend this Memorial Service. Any member that wishes to go, contact President Yow or VP Conley to add your name to the list. Members will vote at the May meeting to select two members from the list. Click here for more information on the 2008 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service.
Clicking the Link Below may be the Best Choice you have made lately.
When a person needs help and reaches out for it, is a sign of strength not weakness.
Click Here for complete coverage of the Charleston Super Sofa Store Fire.
