Baltimore Fire Fighters Union, IAFF 734: “Our Chief Has Turned His Back On Us”
By BMORENEWS Staff
(BALTIMORE – July 20, 2012) - Rick Hoffman of the Baltimore City Fire Fighters Union is not a happy camper these days. He and the members of the IAFF 734 feel betrayed by Chief James Clack.
It was recently reported that while three Baltimore City fire stations are now closed, the chief received a raise. Poor timing?
Hoffman told BMORENEWS in an exclusive interview yesterday, “Timing is everything.”
In short, the local union is not in agreement with either the chief or Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, highly suggesting that response time is greatly diminished – threatening the life and welfare of Baltimore City residents.
Three fire companies were recently closed, despite attempts by the City Council President, Bernard “Jack” Young.
Chief Clack went before the city council to defend the move to eliminate Truck 10 on the Westside, Squad 11 deep on the eastside, and Truck 15 in the vicinity of Patterson Park.
Hoffman and other fire fighters are angered that the move now puts the nearest firefighting resources as far away as 4 miles.
Is this unconscionable? According to Hoffman, you’re darn ‘skippy’ it is.
