HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0346.003 1996-1998 ~-~r-.._
June 17, 1997 ~
'J7 JUf~ 19 (~i'i 8 3`~i
Desmond Wery, Fire Captain
Central Fire Station CCJ~~:
COUN I Y Uf- ! ~AV`JAII
In my capacity at Central station, I come in contact and communicate with many of the
personnel throughout the island. I have come to find that many of them express the same
concerns and frustrations as I do. That has compelled me to testify before you today. I see a need
for change and see this as an opportunity to promote change. I commend the Council for taking
an interest in this matter.
There are two points which I would like to make in my testimony here today. First is
concerning the need to revise the interview process. And secondly I would like to touch on the
idea about the implementation of a fire commission.
The allegations of improprieties in the recent FEO promotional interview has only served to
reinforce the feelings in me and among the men that there isn't a level playing field for all
candidates when it comes to promotions. In my 22 years of service, I have been through many
interviews. Unfortunately, politics has always played a role in promotions, so it is not to say that
this administration is the first or only administration to do that. But these current allegations
certainly puts an exclamation point on the matter. Po]itics, detlned here, is the preferential
treatment and consideration given to certain individuals active in the mayor's political campaign.
Today, you"II probably here many suggestions to improve the promotional process. I believe
if you look at them closely, the common element will be that they all see the need to take the
questions and as much of the process out of the hands of the administration. What does that say
of the administration? What does that say of the trust which the personnel have in the
administration'? What does that say of the integrity of the administration? To revise the
promotional interview process by having it handled by another agency such as the Civil Service,
would solve part o'f the problem. But I firmly believe that any system will work if there is
integrity. Any system will work if you have trust. This administration u1d these allegations
have deteriorated that trust. We must strive to restore fairness and trust between the
administration and it's personnel.
The second issue which I would like to touch on is the idea of the implementation of a fire
commission which would appoint the fire chief. I realize that this would require a charter
amendment, but I believe this is important enough to be looked into. The appointment of the fire
chief by a commission would serve to eventually take a lot of the politics out of the department.
I would require the fire chief to be accountable to the commission rather than the mayor. This
would take the pressure of politics off the shoulders of the fire chie£ In my opinion, politics is
the root of all evil in the fire department. We must work to get the politics out!
Respectfully submitted,
` esmond Wery
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n~. ire. F /R..
~ Presented FC
uK 1 7 1997