September 1, 2007

Subject: Press release

While it is good news that the Charleston firefighters are finally getting proper and safe uniforms to work in, it is very clear that the Charleston mayor and fire chief still just don’t get it.

In a recent AP release Mayor Riley stated:  “Firefighters at a fire scene wear protective clothing and with it "you could have on your pajamas if you answered a call at three in the morning." This statement is an insult to our firefighters and implies that it doesn’t matter what they are wearing at anytime. This is absurd.

Polyester material is very dangerous for a firefighter because it burns and melts easily. When polyester melts into the skin of a firefighter it makes the burn more severe and complicates healing of the burn and also promotes infection. The outer protective gear a firefighter wears can be compromised letting heat, hot ashes or coals get between their outer protective gear and their second layer of protection which is their uniform.

Mayor Riley’s statement that: “Chief Thomas felt that the work uniforms were safe and I accept that.”  Mayor Riley needs to be reminded that his Chief also said the Charleston fire department was up to standards and up to date and it is clear that this was not the case. We have to wonder why the mayor is so compelled to stand behind a fire chief that has without a doubt, embarrassed the fire department and the City of Charleston by his lack of leadership. Not to mention the financial hardship that has been put on the City of Charleston to bring the fire department up to standards.

Charleston firefighters should have a say in which uniforms they would prefer to work in. Our firefighters are often mistaken for Charleston police officers which is another safety issue. We want citizens and criminals to be able to distinguish firefighters from police officers at a scene. The mayor should do the right thing and poll the firefighters that risk their lives for the City of Charleston before he makes a choice for them on what they should work in. It’s time for our firefighters to have a say in matters such as this.

This is a great opportunity for Mayor Riley to help boost the morale of his firefighters. Our firefighters and the citizens of Charleston are too smart to accept the political spins Mayor Riley has put on the issues concerning the Charleston Fire Department.

Roger L. Yow

President

IAFF Local 61

P&C - http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/sep/01/riley_city_sub_fire_uniform14708/

AP link - http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/575/story/174396.html

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