Bulletin Board

I appreciate the time you give to write articles on the Firefighters and I would like to give you the insight of the fire department. Anything I write to you is fact and I can supply you with documents if you need. I just ask that the city provide you with their documents when they state "Facts".

In your timeline portion, you stated that in “January 2003: Firefighters still unsatisfied with salaries; refuse step-ups, driving overtime above $600,000”. The fact is; overtime has always been paid for many years before this because of LOW staffing numbers because the city refuses to hire the correct number of personnel to comply with NFPA standards. If the city would hire the allocated personnel of 253 or so, we are still under staffed by 60 or so fire line personnel. Keep in mind the city’s number of 253 is total personnel, NOT fire line personnel.

August 2003: City-Parish Council agrees to increase firefighter base pay to $1,950 a month, only if firefighters cut overtime by accepting temporary step-up promotions. The city also fails to mention that they agreed to hire personnel because we explained to the city that the majority of the people able to take step-up's will be permanently promoted and will no longer be able to take step-up's, the city agreed. Note: (This agreement was a verbal agreement, so I can't produce any document other than maybe an AOC City Council Meeting if it was discussed). But we did have a number of members there to testify that in fact it did take place.The city will be quick to point out that they have hired 15 or so personnel since then, but keep in mind that those personnel were allocated before the pay plan issue was even discussed. Once the step-ups started and personnel were getting promoted, NO personnel were hired and in fact a scheduled class was pushed back time and time again taking advantage of the step-up program which was unfair to the firefighters for helping the city save money. For years firefighters have worked short handed thinking we were doing the right thing by endangering ourselves to provide the service the citizens deserve. Now, knowing better, we refuse to endanger ourselves because of the city’s decision not to supply us with the personnel we need to do the job. If that means the city has to allocate more funds, then so be it.

Jan. 29: 30 percent of fire department's annual overtime budget is spent because firefighters refuse step-ups and call in sick. The Fire Department overtime budget is spent because of the lack of personnel!!! PERIOD!!!!!! Firefighters just didn't start falling sick, we are human and fall sick just as much or more than the common worker because of the environment we work in. So who ever is responsible for the shortage of personnel to account for these situations, then I suggest they be held accountable and not pass the buck on the Firefighters.

The STEP-UP program is a voluntary program and is a privilege WE PROVIDE for the city. To ask a Firefighter or anyone for that matter to come to work sick or injured so the city can hide the staffing problem is absurd and will not be tolerated by the firefighters! The City has the money (because they took it from us) to pay overtime to keep these trucks in service but refuses to do so. This situation as been in practice for years before, why is it different now? Is it because of the favorable ruling in our State Pay Suit? Or personnel attacks because of political outcomes?

Who knows, but it is not fair for the citizens to have to pay the price. The firefighters have been giving it their all to try and provide the same service with less trucks and personnel, but the time is coming to where we are burned out and we won't be able to continue.

It is frustrating to have to defend ourselves, but we have no problems doing so because we have the truth on our side. We just ask that if either side can not produce the facts then it should not be published.

If we can be of any assistance to you or anyone you know, don't hesitate to call.

We Firefighters put our lives on the line everyday and ask for nothing but fair treatment. We are paying the price of the reduction of exchange of time (from 30 days to 10), which allows a person of the same rank to replace another for personal reasons. This benefit costs the city absolutely nothing. In addition, if we replace someone to help his/her emergency, we would then be penalized by being forced to have him replace the time within two weeks or before our next paycheck, whether we need the time or not, causing us to lose one of our ten allocated days. This actually gives us five days to use when we need time, not 10.

This change was made despite an effort by the Fire Chief to explain to the Council that our vacations are assigned in the prior year and we have no other method to allow for emergency or personal time. No one can plan for emergencies. To no avail, the Chief advised the Council that 95% of his firefighters followed policy. He recommended 26 days of Exchange Time with a one-year pay back period allowing more flexibility with the use of this emergency time. We are now faced with a 5.2% pay cut and station closures. In addition, there are rumors of a shift change and lay offs. This is a non-productive way of dealing with misdirected anger. You deserve better!

In answer to our call for help, you came through with an overwhelming vote to increase your own property taxes in support of a much need and deserved pay raise. We Thank You For That! If stations are closed and personnel cuts are made to an already understaffed fire department, you… the taxpayers will pay the price. Because of this, the city’s fire rating may be lowered and large increases in property insurance premiums will be inevitably.

It was suggested to the Council that utilizing a system called “Step Up” would allow a person to work in a higher or lower class as has been the practice and used for a long time in the fire department… This is true. As a matter of fact it works so well that the Council used this as a bargaining tool in exchange for the 5.2% pay raise, which was subsequently taken away. The pay increase was taken away after the refusal to take Step Up by a SMALL GROUP of firefighters. Once again everyone paid for the actions of a few. Anyone would be welcome to visit the Firefighters website @ www. LAFAYETTEFIREFIGHTERS.COM where you will discover that the guys were urged to remain on the Step UP list… even after the exchange of time was reduced. This small group of firefighters acted individually. THE UNION IS NOT TO BLAME. Unfortunately, this has elapsed and will not change.

Thanks to an aggressive campaign by the Fire Chief, this department may be one of the most certified in the state, if not the country. Because of this, we are more qualified to help each other and this city. Utilization of existing resources may help the Fire Department better serve our public without station closures or personnel lay offs. At present, there are 12 people (4 Captains, 4 Drivers, and 4 Firefighters) who left the fire line to go into Support Divisions (Arson, Fire Prevention, and Training) with the exception of perspective Chiefs and Secretaries (who can be used to schedule classes, events, inspections, training etc.).

With less than one week of refresher training, they could return to firefighting duties until the desired staffing requirements are met and then return to the support divisions. With assistance from the fire line, we could provide and perform fire prevention, and inspections, which are closely related to a service we already provide, called PRE-FIRE PLANNING. This is as function in which fire line personnel are required to visit all commercial structures in the city to become familiar with build layouts, check entrances and exits, and acquire any other information that would help us to better serve you in the event of an emergency. Training – there are adjunct instructors on the fire line who could work with training officers to perform in house training and report to the training center to train recruits then return to stations to complete their shift. The Arson division can be assigned to A, B, or C crew to help man fire trucks and respond to fires accordingly, investigating as needed. This would help minimize overtime reducing the possibility of station closures or personnel cuts in an already under staffed department.

It has been said by someone wiser than myself that “If you are not part of the solution, your part of the problem”. This is a possible solution to help the fire department and the city. Management decisions should not be made in anger. Our city deserves better. I believe the price we paid should be enough. Taxpayers should not have to bear the burden of anger management for you are truly innocent bystanders who will suffer unnecessarily.

I would be remiss not to address one more very important issue, THE RACE CARD. One of our younger BLACK firefighters recently appeared on a local radio talk show and made at least two very disturbing remarks.

1. “15 years ago Black firefighters could not sleep in the same quarters with our White counterparts.”

· In response to this, I have 22 years of service, am BLACK, and need to set the record straight. That firefighter to date has 14 years of service and has enjoyed healthy working relationships with his White Brothers, who would go through the HELL of fire with any one of us at the drop of a hat. In addition, I have had the pleasure of watching this city grow to the tune of 6 new Fire Station and not only has there never been or are there now separate sleeping quarters for RACE, there are no separate areas for GENDER.

2. “The BLACK firefighters who are not members of SWAPF (Southwest Association of Professional Fire Fighters), a Blacks only organization, need to decide which side of the fence we want to be on.”

· The remark answers itself. If a person is in one organization instead of another, clearly a choice was made. There is no indication of fence riding. IT IS TIME TO LET THE SCARS OF OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS, ALONG WITH ALL THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US HEAL, AND NOT PASS BLAME ON THOSE WHO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH AN UGLY PAST THAT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT AND WON’T SOON FORGET. THE COLOR THAT YOU REPRESENT WHEN YOU REPORT TO WORK IS BLUE.

RACISM, BE IT DIRECT OR REVERSE ALONG WITH BACKDOOR POLITICS HAS NO PLACE IN THIS DEPARTMENT OR TODAY'S WORLD.

We’ve been here before, and anyone can see that what we are going through AGAIN… is no more than misdirected anger from a few Councilmen. If we continue doing our best to serve the TAXPAYERS regardless of what is done to us, ultimately we will prevail.

Mr. Blackwell is a Fire Captain with 22 years of service to the community and a respected member of the Lafayette Professional Firefighters Association.

Ms. Taylor

My name is David Mouton and I'm a thirteen year veteran and Engineer with the Lafayette Fire Department. I'm also the Sec/Treas. for the Lafayette Professional Firefighters Association. I heard you are doing a story about what is going on with the fire department and I would like to give you some information that may be of use for your story.

I'm not going to talk about the exchange of time, trigger, or our reduction in pay because I'm sure you’ve heard enough about those things. What’s more important to me, and should be the biggest topic in this city, are the lives that are being put in danger by the Fire Chief, Council, and Administration (because of their silence). SHUTTING DOWN A FIRE TRUCK OR FIRE STATION SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. The fire chief said "I'm shutting down fire trucks so I don't have to pay overtime". In other words he is saying that lives of the citizens of Lafayette are not worth $350.00 to $450.00 because that is what it would take to open up a fire station. If the Lafayette Fire Department were fully staffed properly enough to keep these stations open, would the fire chief use the high price of gas to close a fire station down to save money, the reason doesn't matter when you choose money over lives. It is a fireman's duty to do what ever it takes to save a life, when we enter a burning building and search for someone we don't worry about not damaging our gear to save money, all we care about is that life because money is not and should never be more important than a life. That is why it shocks every firefighter that a fire chief would choose money over lives, he took an oath to use all his resources to protect the citizens of Lafayette and in our opinion he is failing at that oath. No matter how he plays it out, shutting down trucks weather it is an engine, ladder, or rescue truck will affect response time and cost a life.

Its one thing that the City is always attacking firefighters, we've come to expect it, but it’s another thing to attack the people of Lafayette by not providing them with the protection they pay for and deserve. The National Fire Protection Association recommends 5 men on an engine and 4 on a ladder. The Lafayette Fire Department runs 3 men on an engine and 2 on the ladder trucks. For about the past 8 years the fire department has been allowed 252 personnel, and only about 4 stations ran 4 men on an engine. Since then the department has opened 2 new stations, another vacation crew, and another relief crew, and never increased that number. The chief just robbed from other stations and now this is why we have a skeleton crew. We understand the danger of this job and we accept it, but with all that firefighters have to worry about at a fire scene including vehicle accidents, and cardiac arrest calls, they shouldn't have to be worried about their privileges being taken away because of personal vendettas from a few Council members. A firefighter should not have to stand in front of the Council with hat in hand and beg for the tools, trucks, and manpower needed to do this job.

Thirty Six year, highly respected, and retired Assistant Chief Nugier Perrodin once said at an awards banquet where he was being honored "No matter how bad the city treats you or how bad they talk about you, you should never apologize for being a firefighter".

Dear Membership,

On Wednesday January 12, 2005 our Union attended the staff meeting at the training center. Unfortunately, and as usual, our Union was accused of being racially motivated by Forrest Chaisson and Alton Trahan who feel we do nothing for African Americans and should consult with them about departmental and minority issues. The point attempting to be made by Forrest and Alton was that our Union does nothing to promote the hiring of African Americans. Our sec / trea David Mouton made the comment “We promote the hiring of qualified Firefighters, We don’t care what race they are”. The response by Forrest was “That’s right, you don’t care”. The fact remains that our Human Relations Rep Clarence Glenn has organized numerous activities focusing on the African American community. We have gone as for as bringing applications to individuals and encouraged them to take interest in the Fire Service.

Fortunately for our members we do not discriminate and I’m proud our Union is culturally diversified. I will always vote for this Union to seek information on minority issues from within our membership locally, nationally, and internationally. It is my opinion that it would be an insult to our many well-educated and respected minority members if we were to bypass their thoughts, ideas, and feelings on minority and departmental issues by first seeking information, guidance, etc from outside this Union.

I will not sit back and let someone accuse this Union of being racially motivated, especially when it comes from an association that is not diversified. If our minority membership feels we should seek assistance from outside our local, state, national and international membership, then and only then will my vote support such actions.

Fraternally,

Doyle J Boudreaux

3^rd VP

My name is Marline Vidrine. I am a fire fighter with the Lafayette Fire Department and presently a soldier in Iraq. I would like to take the time to send my support to my brothers and sisters on the Lafayette Fire Department. I share your frustration and disappointment about our pay, exchange of time, step-ups, and hourly shift changes. Although I am not with you during this trying time, I have you and your families in my prayers. You see, working along side with you, I have seen the dedication you have to the City of Lafayette, Scott, Carencro, Duson, Milton, Broussard, and every area you touch with your presents. Without hesitation, you have used your skills and knowledge to assist others in need when you are not expected to or paid to. There are many words for that, but unselfish Heart is what comes to my mind. Our fire fighters will NEVER stop providing protection, assistance, and simple courteous help to others around them in need. The world has become so busy and scared, people are hesitant to stop and help others in need of help. But firemen do not have that hesitation. And for that reason, among so many other fine qualities, I wanted to work side by side with you all. Be a small piece of this great organization. Thank You for allowing me that opportunity. And I look forward to getting back. To the citizens of Lafayette, I would like to tell you why I have so much respect for these men and women. I have worked the 24 hours shifts with them for 4-5 years, and I have seen what they go through on stressful, heartbreaking scenes. I have seen them finish a 24 hour shift, and sometimes 48 hours, just in time to change uniforms for their next job. I have watched them play with their children, make important family decisions, and spend holiday dinners at the fire station. And too often I have seen them miss out on these great events because we are at the fire station. Life at the station is not just hard on the fire fighter but twice as hard on the family. There is a great deal of effort to keep the fire fighter involved with family activities. So I am well aware, of not only the fire fighter’s dedication to the city, but their families as well. They go the extra distance to assist us in order for us to do our jobs.

Now my question to the counsel: Why, exactly was it necessary for our exchange of time to be cut? Exchange of time affects the city, the counsel, and the budget in no way. How do the hours we work affect the counsel or the city? Our shifts have been like this for years. Please ask the men and women on the line if that is what they want. I have never heard one person complain or wish our hours were different. And I know that for many, changing the shifts will hurt their ability to work their second job. Is that what you are after? Are you just exercising your ability to play with peoples’ lives? Because that is what you are doing. These changes rob us the ability to be there for our families in a time that we need to be there. Personally, most of my exchange of time goes to military issues. And those 10 days will be consumed quickly. I will even have to ask for more. No problem. But with all of that time going to the fire department and the military, where does my family fit in? That is time you stole away from my family. And now it has become personal. You are just placing another burden on the fire fighters and our families. AND IT IS FOR NO JUSTIFIED REASON. I cannot express the shear disappointment I feel in the counsel and the administration and whoever else may have supported this decision. I feel betrayed and quit simply angry. I encourage you to take into consideration these points I have addressed. I also would like to be invited to the table when your raises are up for discussion. I have a few of my own trigger mechanisms that I would like to add to your raise. Tell me, who else in the City has been given a raise with triggers attached to them? Perhaps we can research the promises each of you have made and were unable to uphold. Then we can begin cutting your pay as well. You see gentleman, you are civil servants just like us. Keep that in mind. Be careful when you say the Lafayette Fire Department is putting the City in danger. That will never happen by the hands of our Men and Women, regardless of your decisions. And more importantly, you are insulting our families by stating something so ridiculous.

Forgive me for the lengthy letter. During my time on the department, I have never voiced my opinion about anything. Now I am in Iraq and I see people willing to be blown up, get shot, or sacrifice their families’ safety simply to cast a vote to try to change life here for their children. And it is an amazing thing. Citizens of Lafayette, you can voice your opinion without these concerns. Please don’t take that for granted. One of the things I have learned here, these people have a large value on family and the closeness of family. Just like us. I count the days to be back with my family and I feel they are far more important than anything else. With that said, if I have to leave a job I TRULY LOVE and always wanted to do all my life, I will. I willingly give up my time as a civil servant and accept the hardships of it. Gratification from helping someone makes it all worth it. But I will not let myself or my family be taken advantage of. My daughter will have me at her next dance recital or field trip or to just stay home with her when she has a bit of a fever. My life has no room for foolish games played my foolish people. And that is what this appears to be. To end this letter appropriately, I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me in my journeys. Each one has affected you and you have been forced to sacrifice on my account to help others. Thank you and I love you. Thanks to the fire fighters of Lafayette. Your emails have kept me laughing during low times in Iraq. Keep your chins up and remember “They can’t keep a good man down.” To the families of the fire fighters, thank you from all of us. You are unselfish with your support and have been there for the department during the good times and bad. Thanks to the citizens of Lafayette. Many have voiced your opinions in support of the fire fighters on the line. Had I not received so many emails, I may not have written this letter. But because of your concern, I felt inclined to share mine as well. You know the good we do for the City and you know we will ALWAYS be there when you call. Thank you.