I want to start by saying Happy New Year to everyone! I'm excited about a optimistic 2010. In the Chinese New Year, Its the year of the tiger! Chinese New Year starts around Feb 14th this year.
So to start off my New Year, I received a Google e-mail alert which came in because the Derry News wrote an article which stated that I had already made my decision NOT to run for Dist 4's Council seat. What I do not understand is that NO one from the Derry News called or e-mailed me to ask if I was running for re-election.
I immediately sent an e-mail to Bill Gilman, editor of the Derry News to tell him how irresponsible he and the paper were to print that without first checking with me. No response back from Mr.Gilman as of this posting.
I will say this.. I have not made up my mind as of yet and will be thinking about it over the next few weeks.. I have in the past said that I believe in term limits and that still holds true, however it doesn't have to be two terms, it could be three.
I will also try and become more active in the blog postings as they once were more frequent in the past and I would like to keep things going in a positive direction as much as possible. I do think that this current council has made strides in being more civil lately and I believe we have been able to get better results for the community. Not that everyone always agrees, however we do get to listen to both sides and think things through better without personal attacks for the most part.
I did also read that Mr.Newell will put his hat into the ring for a council seat this year. I will be interested to hear some of his ideas as to where he thinks the budgets direction we should go in for 2011.
Not sure if Councilor Carney has made up his mind yet if he will be running for re-election or Councilor Metts as well.
I would like to hear from you who you would like to see run for council. Anyone??
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127 comments:
Brian I distinctly remember you saying that this was your last term; with no conditional clauses.
Why is the Derry News incorrect in it's reporting? They reported exactly what you have said on more than one occasion.
I may run
anon 8:27
The last time i mentioned term limits was three years ago. The Derry News has choosen to not ask me before printing??? Irresponsible!
Poor Derry Taxpayer,
Very Good!
BC
So term limits may mean 3 terms? Why not 4? How about 8? Does this depend on what the definition of "is" is? Typical.
Perhaps you should cut Bill some slack, maybe he was just looking out for the community, protecting us from slippery politicians.
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
I'm going to do something rare here and respond directly to some of the questions brought forth in these postings. In printing that Brian had decided not to run, I was going by comments he made to me during the Maureen Rose situation. That said, prior to publishing the online, I SHOULD have have double checked with Brian to make sure that's still where he was at. The article that ran in this week's Derry News has the correct info.
Thanks.
bg
Bill,
Thanks I appreciate you writing in to the blog to explain and the personal phone call!
So why don't you clear it up once and for all Brian. Are you running again and going back on your previously stated position or are you going to run again based on your new definition of term limits meaning whatever term you feel is appropriate.
My bet is you will run again. Why should you start being a man of your word now.
anon 12:33,
Not sure yet! will let you know as soon as I decide!
BC , PLEASE RUN!!!
This town needs comic relief.
"I didn't say term limits means two, it could be three."
Now that's some funny material.
What?.....Do you mean to say......He's not kidding???
From the bottom of the barrel the ripe pickles float to the top.
STAY ON Brian..I know you've taken some hard hits and that at times things can get out of control, but you have a wealth of knowledge and experience and we need that on our council. So please stay on for another 3 years.
An avid watcher of the t.c. meetings.
BC-Real question: why should we vote for you when it appears that you are going back on your word? What have you honestly accomplished while in office?
1:33 are you BC?
8:59,
No Im not an avid watcher!
Wow...I really enjoy how all these people are ready, willing and able to slam Brian, but the majority aren't willing to get up off their butts and do something...anything to help better the Town.
How about using the time that you spend here bashing Brian to volunteer to make the Town a better place!?
Like him or hate him, Brian is at least making the effort to do something for the Town, are you?
I see Mr. Newell has thrown his name into the ring....why aren't the rest of you following suit?
I have seen kindergartens without this much whining.
Let's get this straight, Mike Willinsky the union President of the DFD is now warning of fire safety concerns after safely securing an $880K raise when ALL other fire departments were making cuts?
Mike, you, your union and the chief have got to be kidding.
Work harder and smarter. Learn to make due with what you have to work with. Derry's citizens has been more than generous with it's fire department over the years.
Hey Mike, bring back the volunteers.
I am sure there are many capable people out there just waiting for a chance to help.
Do you think this idea will fly in the next union meeting?
Michael,
I don't recall the town reducing the fire budget in the last few months. What happened to all the money? Could it be that it was devoured by overtime? "You can't eat your cake and have it too." If overtime has been running that high, you ate your cake. Don't be coming around asking for seconds. Take a pay cut and save the positions. You got raises as private sector people lost jobs and took pay cuts.
Mr. Willinsky Shame, shame
You remind me of Chicken Little with the whole "the sky is falling down" story.
You have not given us anything concrete here. Just a bunch of inflammatory rhetoric. Where is the proof that this will happen?
What are the actual emergency call volumes in Derry during the busiest hours of the day that would warrant a second person?
Please only include emergency call volumes because I would think that the dispatcher would place a non-emergency call on hold to answer an emergency one.
Also, can you quantify the increase in response times that you are suggesting? Can you say with certainty that I will lose a loved one, or my house will be salvageable because we cut a part-time dispatcher, fire prevention and public education positions?
I believe that your attempt at panicking citizens into action to serve your own ends is more dangerous than the cuts that you have mentioned.
I think the only thing we agree on is that citizens should contact the Town Council. But, I will be letting them know that the decision to reduce staffing levels was a good one.
So Michael - would the DFD be in the same situation if they hadn't asked for and received those nice pay raises as part of their contract? Maybe cutting back a bit, like most of America has done, would have helped save some of these positions. Just a thought.
Sorry Mike,
Deal with it.
The FF unions have negotiated for too long with an iron fist. You have been out of control for too long.
Sometimes the deal gets too good.
What Derry is now experiencing is what happens when the parasite loves too well off the host: the host dies.
You chose a service as a profession and the level of service is to be determined by those served. With a town council as rigid as Gumby you have built your organization, procured your fancy equipment and with too much time on your hands trained for asteroid strikes that will never come.
Life is dangerous. Much to the disappointment of modern society not everybody gets a trophy, not every risk can be eliminated.
Fire Fighters, Municipal Employees and Police and schools better learn a valuable lesson to do more with less. As sanity returns to Federal spending, not every little burg is going to be able to handle The Towering Inferno.
Better you should make your own cuts: Does everybody need to take the $200,000 truck to get groceries or go to the workout club?
Derry can cut things or people. Guns or butter. Economics 101
January 14, 2010
Citizens of the Town of Derry:
On January 13th, Derry Fire Department administration reduced staffing levels. Minimum daily staffing is now 15 firefighters; cut from 18 firefighters on duty just one year ago. On some days the fire department will be staffed with 16 or 17 firefighters.
In a staffing directive issued to department members and the Derry Town Administrator, the Fire Chief stated “If the…budget continues to be in potential deficit, further reductions in staffing and service levels will occur. Staffing reductions to 14 persons or less per shift will require the temporary closing of companies and stations.”
Reduced staffing and closed stations will increase response times to fires and delay emergency medical care.
Both positions in the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Public Education have been temporarily not filled. Additionally, a second certified dispatcher, on-duty during the busiest periods of each day, has been temporarily not filled which will cause further delay in sending fire apparatus and ambulances to emergencies within the Town of Derry.
It is an unfortunate sign of the tough economic period the country is going through. Unfortunately, the reality is that we are spread very thin and any further cuts will inevitably result in a fire station closure further endangering the community’s safety. It’s a very sad state of affairs when public safety positions are cut. It puts the community at high risk and the question is, “When will someone’s home or life be permanently changed because of those cuts?” The town council needs to realize when they cut public safety the risk on the public becomes increased and they need to honor the level of service the citizens have had and deserve.
Please contact your town councilors if you are concerned about the safety of the town during the reduction in staffing and service levels.
Brad Benson: bradbenson@ci.derry.nh.us
Brent Carney: brentcarney@ci.derry.nh.us
Brian Chirichiello: brianchirichiello@ci.derry.nh.us
Kevin Coyle: kevinlcoyle@ci.derry.nh.us
Janet Fairbainks: janetfairbanks@ci.derry.nh.us
Rick Metts (Chair): rickmetts@ci.derry.nh.us
Neil Wetherbee: neilwetherbee@ci.derry.nh.us
Respectfully yours in safety,
Michael Willinsky
President
United Professional Firefighters of Derry
IAFF Local 4392
www.derryfire.com
EMAIL: Local4392@aol.com
Dear Anonymous
Stop hiding in the shadows with your comments. If you have something to say at least have enough decency to tell us who you are. Don’t be a coward.
Disgraceful!
I hope the town council disbands the DFD and contracts out to a surrounding town fire company that has professionals running it, not money grubbing cry babies.
Absolutely disgraceful!
Where is Ronald Reagan when we need him.
PATCO the DFD.
They are way out of whack after years of council failures.
Who the heck is Ed Gannon?
Have we to go back to the purpose and structure of blogs again with another coffee-head?
Yes Ed let me quickly stand up and have my name and address printed so that when I have an emergency the fire dept can take their sweet time. Are you for real or has the reality of modern media passed you by? Just becasue you can blog does not me everybody should!
Typical......rant and rave, then remain anonymous.....!
I would like to educate you individually or as a group as to the concerns we have moving forward together to provide the best care an coverage for you and your families. Unfortunately you have failed to identify yourselves.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime at Local4392@ aol.com. Any signed email will be responded to.
Yours in safety,
MIKE WILLINSKY
From what I've read, it's not the union saying it will close a station, the Fire Chief's memo to his staff stated that information.
It seems the union was just informing us of the actions of the Chief and Town Administrator.
But the TA's leaving soon anyway so he has nothing to lose here.
So many evil comments towards the firefighters of Derry. Disgraceful!
the more fire stations the better, lets put a firehouse on each corner then we all can be safer, it's for the children. if you're against the firefighters you're against children
Apparently Mike Willinsky is unwilling to address the public even though they wish to remain anonymous. Why is that Mike? You chose to make a public statement on a blog that as you can clearly see is full of anonymous responses....now you hide behind that you won't "educate" us because we are anonymous. Are we that unworthy that you would rather leave us "uneducated"? Is that it!?
Your true nature shows now. You could care less about the general public and are all for lining your own pockets. You really seem to like your title too...you make sure that we see that. Like it makes you the ultimate authority or something.
Anon 8:37 did you ever bother to speak up about all the evil comments towards Brian or others on here. Didn't think so. Firefighters are not GODS, saints or other icons to be prayed to. They are men and women doing a job they chose to do. Personally, the mail carriers are my heroes.
Mike,
This is a public forum. Don't think that changing the opinion of one is so important. Tell us all.
Anon 3:14 was certainly indelicate but raised some valid points.
Mike you have used soviet style negotiating tactics in the past: give us what we say or you will be in danger.
Overtly or not townspeople have been leveraged by fear of personal disaster and have given away what ever the FD has required.
Things have changed Mike. That style of getting more budget is over. Now is the time to consolidate and retool the department. If this means slightly longer response times and putting off additional equipment and or training so be it.
DFD has to grow up and realize when enough is enough.
Anon 8:37
Grow up. This is a debate.
The DFD is looked upon as a protector by infantile Derry citizens protecting them from the bogeyman. There has to be a limit to safety. Do we need zero response times? Should ever house in town have it's own firestation?
Get real. There has to be some acceptable level of risk assumed by citizens.
Does Derry need the nanny state for everything?
If anyone is out of touch with reality it is you Mr. Anonymous. The Derry Fire Department responds to all emergencies equally. Do you really believe that we all carry a list of evil people who hate us so that can respond differently to them in their time of need? When we hit the streets our goal to provide the highest level of care possible, after all isn’t that what everyone wants when it is their home or loved one that need's assistance. Our motto “Any Emergency, Any time, Anywhere”. Over my 26 years of service I have responded to thousands of emergencies and everyone gets treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Anon 9:39
And dogs!
If you areagainst fierfighters and children you kick dogs!
8:37 Questioning how much we should spend on fire protection or questioning whether the town got a good deal in the recent negotiations does not mean we have less respect for firemen.
Surgeons have saved my life several times. I honor them. That does not mean they get all my money for the rest of my life. We need good firemen and they should be paid a competitive salary. Derry pays too much.
Mr Gannon, Wasn't it someone from the DFD who made a comment regarding "good luck calling 911" to Kevin Coyle?
Your statement that you respond to all emergencies equally is inaccurate. Do you really mean to tell me that you would respond equally if it was your family that needed assistance as opposed to some stranger? If you answer you would, then you would be lying because it is human nature to want to help your family more. That is because we are human, not Gods.
On a final note, do you require those you help to identify themselves before you help them? If not, then why do it here?
This is getting out of hand here. BC...wouldn't you agree? If people are going to make comments here about the Derry Fire Dept., please get all your facts right.
The Derry Fire Dept. has helped my family in their time of need. The have gone above and beyond the call when asked and to hear this "mud slinging" is dis-heartening. You may say that you support and respect your fire dept. but with the words being chosen here, how can that be true?
Ed Gannon:
Appreciate your opinion but members of the DFD have exhibited vindictive behaviour in the past.
I would rather not tempt human nature and gamble on individual human nature. Not in 2010 thank you.
If I can also remind you, The motto “Any Emergency, Any time, Anywhere” does not include "at any cost"
TO:
Michael Willinsky
President
United Professional Firefighters of Derry
I had to put your name AND title so you may understand my message better.
Let's not kid each other, I doubt that you are personally concerned with the safety and well being of us taxpayers here in Derry. What I really think is going on is that you are looking out for your own self interests by using scare tactics of doom and gloom to get us to retain and hire more fire personnel.
From what I read, Derry's fire department now has 3 less people paying union dues to your union. That must hurt your budget somewhat. If we got rid of a couple more fire department staff members you may have to lay off some of your own staff members.
Your livelihood depends on you having as many union members as possible. More members mean more money. Less members mean less money. Now maybe you will understand what the taxpayers are going through, we have less money to give.
And you're surprised that people will come on here and give you a hard time. The money that you get to run your union and pay your salary comes from the taxpayer. Have your members worked together and asked for no raises to help save a position or two? I didn't think so. You make the whole fire department look greedy and elitist. As others have said, they are just people who choose the job they have and are not gods. Sure the job may be dangerous at times but it's what they want to do. They wouldn't be happy sitting behind a desk or delivering mail.
I know there are a few people out there who think that paying a little extra to be "safer" is worth it but you can say that about anything. I think we can pay more taxes to have more parks and open space, or let's build another school so we can cut down on class sizes again. Maybe we should have more police to fight the ever growing crime rate or more traffic signals to cut down on traffic accidents. Somewhere there needs to be a balance.
As for your suggestion to write our council members, I will. I will write them and ask to look for more cuts where they are needed. Does a fireman getting paid overtime really need to be the one who plows out the fire hydrants? Do they need to fly across country and compete in "fire training game playing"?
So Michael you may be "Respectfully yours in safety"
sign me as
Begging for fiscal responsibility
Mr. Anonymous
The comment that you reference from Mr. Coyle is inaccurate. The fact of the matter is that the alleged comments were investigated by the New Hampshire Attorney Generals office and determined to be unfounded. The only person who heard that comment was Kevin. On the evening in question representatives from several newspapers as well as other councilors and public officials were present. All where interviewed by the Attorney General office and not a single person heard any such comment. Makes one question what his intentions really were. Why would someone with his education and background make an allegation he could not prove? Was it for the press or an attempt to upset the good taxpayers of Derry?
On a final note I believe that if anyone has something to say you should be willing to put your name on it. The brave men and women of our armed forces are fighting to protect that right just as they protect yours to remain anonymous. I guess in the end in the end it comes down to how much you believe your words are worth. Ed Gannon
Ed Gannon......two quick points.
Firstly, I agree, anonymous posters are cowardly ........for the most part these darlings are born with this trait. Truth be told, I have found anonymous posters positions typically amount to little more than personal attacks, often political in nature. They are cooked up fast and tossed out in public based upon weak, if not non-existent foundations.
In the end ED, view anonymous posters as a pinata's. They are fun whack around in debate on occasion, but generally not a good source of ideas.
Maybe it's time BC FINALLY wake up and recognize the constructive potential of his blog that is lost, by not requiring names........what do you think BC.....lol...LOL! (Don't bother responding, we know what you think.)
Secondly, I was made a bit unease by your first post as written. To your credit, you did ID yourself. However, after reading your post through, I came away with the sense that on one level it too could be interpreted by readers as cowardly. He's why, you wrote:
>>>>Stop hiding in the shadows with your comments. If you have something to say at least have enough decency to tell us who you are. Don’t be a coward.<<<<
Ed, just who is the "us" you are referring to?
I hope your use of the word "us" turns out to be nothing more than a word selection issue. But In context, even you would have to admit that readers could interpret "us" as a reference not only to yourself but to the DFD as an institution.
That said, I am sure you can understand why some may react to your post defensively.
One more thing Ed, here's a thought to consider; maybe Mike, George & yourself could create a solution to the current temporary staffing issues through the development of volunteer fire department personnel to fill in the gaps.
I Look forward to hearing your considered response.
C. V. Accardo
Anon 4:04, I believe that comment was also directed at councillor Carney as well.
The DFD has some problem children in it's ranks and among some of it's lap dog apologists.
C.V. Accardo thanks for your comments, currently the Chief and the Firefighters are discussing any and all options to trim the budget. Some may find it hard to believe but this issue is not about overtime it’s about Safety. When I say safety it has a double edged sword. One side public safety the other Firefighter safety. In the last five years staffing has gone from 21 on a shift to 15. The 15 is 3 firefighters on 4 engines, Two people on one ambulance, and One shift commander. We cross staff additional ambulances and specialty pieces as needed. What that means is I may be a Firefighter for one call and a Paramedic the next and then a Haz-Mat or trench specialist after that. Personally I would be willing to give up 100% of my overtime if it meant we were able to keep all four stations open. I have seen the difference a few minutes makes during many different types of emergencies. You have heard nothing about the reduction in staffing before this because we understand the difficult economic times as much as anyone else. But it’s now a matter of safety. Ed Gannon
So Mr. Gannon, what you are saying is that if we decide to protect our identity from retribution, our words are worth nothing!?
Sounds elitist to me.
By the way, I think its horrible to use our courageous men and women of the military to bolster one of your arguments.
Perhaps your arguments aren't strong enough to stand on their own.
Once again we are back to how leaving a name not a message is an issue.
CVA you have an opinion on this and have thumpped your chest until we are all tired of it.
Blogs are different than letters to the editor. If you can't get over that, sign off.
In your eyes and those of a few bullies, signing a statement makes a difference.
But the messages are valid regardless of signatures.
ED did you understand the "at any cost" statement? You seemed to ignore those words while focusing on signatures.
It has been some time since I did this but might a comparison of Derry Fire costs to those of a similar sized municipality shed some light on this? And please Derry Fire Union people please correct me if I have any numbers wrong. I'm just searching for facts. If you find fault with these numbers show me yours and let’s have a dialog.
Derry’s F2009 Revised Fire Budget was $10.202 million per the Derry website http://www.derry.nh.us/Pages/DerryNH_Finance/adoptedbudget2010/2010FIRE.pdf (and this does not include dispatch). Concord's actual F2009 Fire expenditures look like $10.348 million per their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (page 102). Derry's population is 33,995 according to the 2007 Census estimate. Concord's is 40,687. That makes the per capita fire protection cost $300.10 in Derry and $254.59 in Concord. Is it true therefore that Derry spends 18% more per person for fire protection than Concord?
Of course Fire protection involves protecting property as well as people. Based upon 2009 Town Valuations from the NH Dept of Revenue Administration and using the above budget numbers it costs $2.55/ to protect $1000 of Concord property and $4.11 to protect $1000 of Derry property. That’s a 61% higher fire protection cost per $1000 of property protected in Derry. These numbers may have something to do with why some of us can both have great respect for firefighters and think that the Fire Budget is contributing to Derry’s non-competitive tax rate. If Derry’s Fire Protection cost per capita was equal to Concord’s we would save $1.8 million per year. How does Concord do this?
Doug Newell
Anon 11:32
1. FD Does not plow out fire hydrants. DPW/Water Dept plows them out.
2. Members participating in the Combat Challenge did not receive any money from the Town of Derry.
Quit lying. Quit trying to make things sound bad on this blog just to get attention and make people upset.
BC, why do you post these people's comments that are completely false?
Mr. Willinsky how many of our firefighters actually live in Derry?
It appears you may live in Chester having moved from Derry at some point in the past. Is this accurate?
Your name also comes up online as being a member of the Chester Fire Dept. Is this old info or are you able to hold two positions in two different towns based on Derry's firefigher contract?
Not slinging mud just asking some basic questions to better understand where you are coming from.
Problem with Volunter staffing is they are unreliable
I would rather coount on paid staffing to protect my Family.
Please do not say East Derry did it for years either cause there call force was unreliable also.
To Mr. Ed Gannon:
As you are well aware there were three, yes three individuals who heard the Derry Firefighters say "good luck calling 911 the next time you need us." For you to state otherwise is a blatant untruth. In regard to the findings of the Attorney General Office, it is my understanding that their findings were inconclusive as to WHO made the statement, Not that the statement was made. If I remember correctly, the Derry Firefighters also placed the pictures of the four Councilors that voted against their contract on their website as if they were common criminals in the likeness of "Wanted Posters", which I consider to be additional acts of attempting to intimidate elected officials. I can certainly understand why NO ONE would want to give up their indentity on this blog. To do so is to open yourself up to all forms of harrassment, as depicted by your Departments track record.
Anon 1:59, I agree that we have some problem children. I think that could be said about any organization though.
Mr. Gannon, thank you for your 7:34 post. That contained something of substance, not the lofty ideals you were touting earlier. You mention the safety of the firefighters. There is a good argument. In regards to your having many hats to wear (haz-mat, firefighter, etc.) I think that we all are being forced to do more with less. In my job, they have given me many other tasks that should be done by others, but since we can't hire more people, we have to take up the slack somehow.
I really, really hate to admit this, but I have to agree with Doug Newell. Why can a city such as Concord provide the same service for a lot less money?
By the way, where did Mike Willinsky go? I guess he didn't care about educating us. Shows us quite a bit about his character, wouldn't you say?
Anon 7:56, if you are going to presume to speak for everyone about what you perceive to be a "thumpped" chest, do everyone a favor, at least spell it correctly.
Stop and think for a moment. One of the issues in town is a remarkable incivility in it's public dialogue. This blog is a virtual petri dish for NAMELESS chowderheads to culture their unique brands of ignorance with ZERO accountability resulting from their words. From my perspective, too many "targets", whether you agree with them or not, have been maligned by nameless mental midgets and political flunkies on this blog.
Anon 7:56, I am NOT taking issue with those comments that are respectful and thoughtful, posted as anonymous......YOU GOT THAT? Rather, I am taking issue with those that willfully chose and are permitted to pollute an otherwise great forum with their personal attacks and/or outright lies. I check in here from time to time and view it as a place where Ideas can be kicked around and maybe solutions ID'ed.
This town, like all others has some real "asses" running around. One lap dog in particular comes to mind, but at least that dope makes a "public fool" of himself when he speaks out every so often, so you can consider the source. Not so with the many imbecilic anonymous posts that BC runs .
So anon 7:56, you go right ahead and continue to get "real tired", fall asleep for all I care. Who knows, one day you and BC may finally wake up and actually "remember" a minimum standard this blog should aspire to............ that occurred to you in one of your dreams.
Oh, I almost forgot,
C.V.Accardo
P.S. Yeah, yeah, I know... some of you are going to take issue with my post and it's tone. If so please accept my apology.
Thanks To Doug Newell.
Numbers do not lie.
Doug this kind of cool analysis, void of drama, is so much the thinking Derry needs.
John Eaton
Anonymous
If three people heard the alleged comments why did they not offer that information to the Attorney General? I believe information such as that could have made a difference in the results and perhaps put the issue to bed once and for all. Currently it appears that we disagree with the finding of the AG so I guess one of us needs to contact the state for a copy of the findings. Secondly perhaps you could offer a better way to negotiate contracts, currently the town sends individuals from the executive department and the Union sends a negotiating team, after months and months of give and take negotiations on both sides a tentative agreement is reached. The final proposal is presented to both organizations’ for approval. When that agreement is then rejected by the people who appointed the executive team people get upset. Imagine being the town’s representatives that followed the instructions sent by the council only to have it rejected in the end. Kind of a slap in the face don’t you think. If you have better ideals I would love to hear them?
Ed Gannon
StoptheLying
I apologize to you and the board. I didn't get the facts before I posted about the Combat Challenge in Vegas. The union paid for the 6 firefihgters to go with Town equipment.
That being said, I'd still like to hear from Mr. Willinski as to where the union gets their money. It is in his best interests to have more fire personnel so he can keep his budget intact. It is disgraceful that he would use scare tactics to keep the personnel numbers high.
Where are you Mr. Willinski? Can't stand the heat? You seem to have sparked a flame on this board, mainly against you, except for the firefighters that support you and those who think safety should come at any cost.
Begging for fiscal responsibility
I appreciate Newell's analysis. But I disagree with Mr. Eaton's conclusion that numbers do not lie. Numbers can be manipulated to accomplish any desired conclusion.
Good Afternoon Jack
I understand that everyone is being asked to do more with less; it truly is a sign on the times. Currently we have reached our critical point. The public has heard nothing from the Firefighter because we understand these difficult times it affects our families as much as everyone else. Our overtime has been cut significantly and yet you never heard a thing from us. I said it before and I will say it again take 100% of my overtime just keep four stations open. Allow us to cover the community the way we always have with both public and Firefighter safety the top priority. I understand that some people don’t care if a station is closed for a day a week or forever the question is then which one? What section of town would be the least impacted by a station closure?
When comparing Concord to Derry please make sure you are comparing apples to apples. I know that last year the Chief and the Communication Director presented a plan that would have increase revenue, unfortunately that plan was shot down by the council. Concord is one of the communities that gave us that idea. So please be fair and make sure all aspects of the departments are considered equally.
Lastly both Mike and I worked yesterday please give him a little time to respond.
Ed Gannon
In this case mr. 12:35 Dougs figures do not lie.
John Eaton
I agree, numbers can and are manipulated. And I believe derry has more than the 2007 report of just over 33K people.
Why would Mr. Willinski entertain going back and forth on this blog? All I see here is "bashing" back and forth. Its like a school yard playground. If you want to hear from Mr. Willinksi, he left an email in one of his blog comment post. Email him and ask your questions and get your answers.
12:35 You are absolutely correct that numbers can be manipulated to misdirect people. I would not make any recommendations based upon one data point (Concord) but rather used that as an example of looking outside of Derry to see how others manage their towns and their investments in fire protection.
This type of analysis should be standard operation procedure for our new Town Administrator when he/she joins us.
Regards,
Doug Newell
Anon 12:31,
The collects money through members' weekly dues contributions.
That being said, the Derry FF's union does not have any paid positions nor do members receive a stipend. Executive board members are elected by their peers and do not receive any money for their time.
Mr. Gannon,
I truly believe that you would give up 100% of your overtime to keep the stations open. That is commendable. However, I can't believe every firefighter would be willing to do the same.
In regards to Chief and the Communication Director plan to increase revenue, it was off the backs of local business. This would have put an additional burden on businesses in these tough economic times. We need to bring revenues into the town, and taxing the heck out of businesses is not the way to do it.
This is my opinion, but the Chief is not creative enough to find ways to reduce spending, there by being able to do more with the money he has. Perhaps, and I don't know if you already do this, but get a group of firefighters together and brainstorm ideas to help reduce costs. Perhaps include some citizen's in brainstorming sessions to get input from a source that isn't too close to the issue. With brainstorming, there are no right or wrong suggestions, just suggestions. Who knows, if even one good idea comes from these discussions, it was well worth it.
4:11 you can believe what you would like about the population of Derry, I'll rely on the US Census Bureau. There is no evidence that since 2007 Derry has grown. Look at school enrollments.
In any case, minor variations in the population assumptions do not significantly impact the conclusion that Concord may have found a more efficient way to provide fire protection to its citizens.
Regards,
Doug Newell
Too bad Metts is not going to run. he did a good job running the meetings.
Jack,
I can only speak for myself but I do agree with you that not every firefighter would probably be willing to give up their overtime. However we are an organized labor union and the vote of the majority rules. Would I be willing to bring that motion to the body absolutely, if 4 stations and 15 Firefighters were guaranteed?
I like you’re brainstorming idea but not sure how the Chief would feel about it. I can tell you that I have forwarded a list of areas where I believe money could be saved to the executive board. Several weeks ago the Chief held meetings with the entire department and asked for ideas. Exactly where those suggestions are I honestly am not sure. I do know that members of the local are meeting with the chief to discuss cost saving measures.
Do you think that a public presentation with a question and answer session after would help taxpayers understand why 15 on duty is so important? Perhaps it would give each of us some new perspective.
Someone was discussing leadership, somewhat rhetorically and in a negative cast on this blog.
What Doug Newell is exhibiting with his analytics is exactly the meaning of leadership.
Assessments like this should be what expected of our local government leadership.
Otherwise politics take hold and vindictiveness flies.
Thank you Doug!
Best regards,
John Eaton
Mr. Eaton,
Thank you for the kind words. You know, there is a lot of untapped talent in our community. Bruce Kling for example has an excellent grasp of the trends in our community and the data that can be analyzed to make more informed decisions. Carl Acardo has forgotten more about finance than the rest of us will ever know. And the list goes on and on. Entrepreneurs, technical specialists, engineers, project managers, etc. The "leadership" that is being discussed on this blog is all about identifying these talented people and asking them to help by sharing their expertise to move us forward. Derry could not afford to hire them but under the right conditions they will share their skills for free.
Best regards,
Doug Newell
Ed, I would love to say that a public presentation would be helpful, but am not sure. As you can see there are many that are polarized on this issue. I think education on the public's side is needed. I think a bunch of the resentment is due to the fact that the public doesn't have all the information.
I must blame the Chief for that however. I recently found out about the Strat Plan. I had no idea it was available for review. When asked if it was made available to the public, the Chief said that it was at the library, town hall and fire stations. How often do people from the town frequent those places. Not that often. Why wasn't it advertised in the papers? (Rhetorical)
It makes it difficult for the public to embrace and understand the Fire Dept. when the Chief appears to care less about what the public thinks. He should be the ambassador for you folks.
Also, I think that firefighters need to take a step back and put on the hat of Joe Citizen. We don't understand all of the intricacies of fighting fire. We don't know what implications time delays have. Would 1 minute make a difference, 2, 4??? We can only make assumptions from our own frame of reference, and to our lives, 2 minutes is no big deal.
The point is that if the DFD needs to sell itself to the community. We won't buy a product that we know is expensive, but have no idea how it works.
Well, that's my two cents....
Does Derry now provide ambulances to hampstead? during the last week our ambulances have been there at least 5 times. maybe we should charge them $1000.00 like the towns around weare are doing. that would be $5000 jus this week alone
Mr Gannon,
Thank you for your response(s). I for one have no doubt that the Chief and others are evaluating alternatives that will lessen the current burden on the DFD professional staff.
I also know that volunteer fire personnel augment professional fire departments literally from coast to coast. To date, I have not heard any discussion of this possible solution.
To your knowledge, Is this solution being considered as an option? If not, why not?
It seems to me, if ANY aspects of DFD and/or public safety are being compromised due to current personnel limitations, a supplemental volunteer solution is entirely plausible and deserves serious consideration.
CVA
Let me add to this discussion....
I read Burtis's letter in the Nutfield News the other day. What I took from his letter was that he did NOT want to see stations closed, with his home being on Lorri Rd and in the district of a station that MIGHT be closed, and that he questioned the issue of firefighters being injured and not available to fill their normal shift. He seems to feel that the Chief of the department along with the President of the Union is trying to play games with staffing levels in order to fullfill some prophecy in manpower. They can only do so much. If The KC Cronies have their way, we'll see stations closed and one or two people showing up on an engine/ladder company. That might be just fine for some of you but the FACT of the matter is, two people on an engine company showing up at a house fire is NOTHING.
I'm not worried about myself and my family. I'm an EMT and my wife is a First Responder, we have everything in-house to manage ourselves along with a family plan in case an emergency were to arise. We can hold out for a bit until the professionals show up.
I hope the rest of you are ready in the same way. That's not trying to push sunshine up your ass either. That's the way it's going to be if we keep cutting. Sure, you can do more with what you have, but don't expect more than what you got.
We all take for granted what we have till it's gone... and then we point fingers when we need it and it's not there. You can try and dissolve the whole damn department for all I care, I know I'm safe. If it's worth the couple of dollars you might save in taxes every year to get rid of the DFD, the ambulance service, the police department (cause that's the next group you'll go after considering their budget is almost 9 million and growing), then go right ahead.
I'm not worried. The rest of the town can fend for themselves for all I care.
In addition, I find it somewhat ironic that one of the vocalists in the "workout scandal" perpetrated by the DFD is the same person who now questions the injuries on that same department!!! HELLO!!! Pot calling the Kettle!!! Here you have a fire department trying to be progressive in their health and fitness by partnering with a LOCAL fitness facility, giving money back to a LOCAL buisness, and trying to establish a regimen of fitness to try and stave off INJURIES incurred during work-related activities. That was costing the town all of what.... $10,000 a year. Yes, that's right, $10,000 a YEAR!!! What are we paying in overtime as taxpayers if someone gets hurt on the job??? I bet a HELLOFULOTT more than that!! And I'll bet a HELLOFALOTT more than that a WEEK!!! WTF are you KIDDING ME!!!
Bitch and complain all you want but if I had to bet Money on the fact that we may not have the injury overtime we see now if we just stopped and opened our eyes to what the DFD was TRYING to do with their "disgusting display" of working out, ON-DUTY, in a LOCAL buisness mind you, that it would just maybe have saved us all some "taxpayer money" in the end. I say that because I'm going to guess that one week of a firefighter being out due to injury is probably worth the 10 grand it would have cost, in overtime, to send his ass to the gym a couple hours a week. Call me freakin crazy, but as someone who takes his health seriously, I'd rather see my tax dollars going to put the guys in the gym then put the guys in a truck on overtime.
Of course, it's all in what you need I guess. I can manage on my own as I mentioned earlier. I hope the rest of you can do the same. I could care less either way because I'M not the one coming to save you.
20/1/10 11:21... Mr Eaton...
Doug's "analytics" are about as believeable as the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny. You can pick whichever you believe to be more... believable??
I'll just pick this one off the top. The "Evergreen" clause he and his followers made such a big deal of in their presentation last year. Had he, or his people done ANY research, they would have discovered that the "Evergreen" clause was a state LAW. The Town of Derry nor it's council was roped into it. It was a STATE LAW. Not that you would have seen that based on their presentation.
And since it was mentioned earlier in this post... $880,000 dollars for both of the fire contracts over 3 years??? Are you kidding me??? Show me a private company in the same economic position, with the same amount of employees, NOT loving the fact that they can AGREE to a no COLA increase for one year and what amounts to a 5% COLA increase over the LIFE of the contract which bargains out at 3 years. Looks like a goddamn bargain to me!
But Ole' Doug and his followers won't show you that.
But who really cares anyways... right?
Praise the Lord we all are going to be saved. The god almighty Doug J Newell has announced he is running for Town Council. Mark my word you think this council is screwed up wait til we have him KC, and JF togther on the council. We might as well get the horses out of retirement to pull the Steamer and the snow roller cause those morons are going to put us back in the stone ages
12:30pm
I suggest you run for Town Council. We need more people like you. Your attitude fits right in with Brad and Brain. Wonder what the town (and taxes) would look like then?
Anon 12:30 perhaps you have stumbled upon a new career!
If DJN, KC and JF are truly going to send us back to the stone age as you contend, a caveman like yourself who is comfortable hiding in the weeds may come in handy. You have proven yourself quite the stone thrower; now if only you could learn to hit your target.
CVA
Hey 10:50PM...if you don't care for your fellow man, why are you in a profession that does exactly that!
Your comments on the "workout scandal" I think are off base.
You claim that they have to go to the fitness center to work out otherwise there will be injuries. Do they really have to go to a club at $10,000 per year to accomplish this? Why couldn't the town purchase some equipment that they could use at the station? Then they wouldn't have to be running around town, and get the same workout accomplished at a lesser cost.
Also, from the tone of your message, you may want to entertain the idea of changing professions. Sounds like you are a little burnt out.
10:50.
Let me be clear in my question: So the town should invest in your health ($10,000/year not including time off the clock, transportation, depreciation of equipment, insurance costs, fuel, maintenance) and all other myriad of expenses?
OK, fair enough.
But if your premise is that we all have an interest in the health of every firefighter and should pay for it lets go further.
The taxpayers want to see how you eat (especially the food we buy) what and how often you drink, how fast you drive and if your wife drives you nuts. There will be no motorcycles or dangerous hobbies and many of the competitions you go to are off the table as someone might get hurt
Other professions require that you are in shape to do the job. It is my responsibility to pass my physical and mental exams and keep myself in shape. Tell me again why I have to pay for you to do it?
Concern for your health at my expense is a two-way street.
Do you rally want to open this can of worms?
CVA,
To the best of my knowledge the volunteer concept has not been discussed. Here are some of the reasons I see it maybe problematic.
1) There is a reason why so many towns surrounding Derry have hired fulltime Firefighter / EMT’S to work Monday thru Friday 9 to 5 is simple, They could not cover emergencies during those hours. Recently the Manchester Union leader ran an article on the current situation in Weare. The towns that boarder that community have considered billing the town every time they respond to an emergency in Weare. During the day Weare can not turn out an ambulance with two people never mind the resources that are needed for other fire department related emergencies. As an example a chest pain patient waited an hour for an ambulance to respond to their emergency.
2) Training to protect the town from liability training must occur by certified instructors from the Fire Academy. Average time to train a new firefighter one year of training two nights’s a week four hours a night. Emergency Medical Services training to staff the ambulances, four months of two nights a week for four hours each night to become a Basic EMT. Then you have continuing education requirements and a recertification every two years.
3) A Drivers commercial driver’s license is required and again special training needed before you can even get behind the wheel. Then you have specialty classes for each Fire Pumps and Ladder trucks.
4) Insurance ratings, your home owners insurance rate is set by a number of things one being your level of fire protection. Over the past several years the department has made several changes to lower the towns ISO rating which in turn says the taxpayer money. Having under qualified people on apparatus and closed stations will change this rating and cause everyone to pay more.
5) Holidays and extreme weather, can they work Christmas and two or three days straight during an ice storm, blizzard or other natural emergency. Remember the floods a few years ago the Ice storm last year the tornado that touched down in Deerfield two years ago and the 54 car pileup we had on 93 last winter disasters do happen in New Hampshire.
6) So you have now paid for all this training several thousand dollars. Spent another $1500 for protective equipment to be worn and have no guarantee that these people will show up when you need them or stay in Derry. Many towns train people only to lose them to fulltime departments in other communities. Ask the chief in Auburn or Litchfield what their turnover rates are people get trained and move onto bigger jobs.
7) Look at history when East Derry and Derry finally merged East Derry only had three call firefighters that were active. The books showed a list of people but only three attended regular training the rest were inactive. Of the three that came to Derry all are gone now. Two found out what the department training regulations were and left immediately the third was trained by the EDFD and was hired by the city of Nashua.
In the end I am not saying it’s a bad idea but there are lots of hurdles to overcome before something like this happen without decreasing the level of service you currently receive.
Ed Gannon
Anonymous 10:50
For the record while we went to the gym we were not off the clock we all carried portable and responded to calls as needed.
Concerning my dietary habits’ here is a list of everything you buy. Nothing. When we are on duty we provide everything we eat ourselves. We buy our own breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coffee cream and sugar we pay for from union dues. Holiday meals again paid for with union dues. I understand that many people believe that the town pays for our food but it’s just not true. Never has been never will.
A fitness standard bring it on at Fifty years old I am the current state champion of the firefighter combat challenge over 40. I am currently ranked 4th in all of new england. Last year I competed in the firefighter stair climb in Seattle Washington 68 stories in 22:27 wearing full turnout gear and breathing compressed air not oxygen air. Myself and 1449 other Firefighters collected over $650.000.00 for cancer research and treatment. The funniest part of all was the people who complain about me using the towns gear to compete in this event.
The town has started to purchase the fitness equipment needed but for some of us it’s not enough to get a good workout in. Currently the heaviest dumbbells we have are fifty pounds for me this is a warm-up weight. We can not safely do decline bench, leg exercises are limited to squats no leg press or extensions no hamstring curls. Adding insult to injury this area of the budget has also been reduced so the time it will take to get this equipment has been extended several years. Attempting to make some compromise I offer a plan that would provide free gym memberships that was turned down because people did not want to pay for the fuel and maintenance for the trucks to travels to the gym everyday.
So the fitness can of worms is open the question is will you go to a town council meeting and tell them to make proper fitness a priority for the safety of the citizens of Derry.
Thanks for listening
Ed Gannon
Ed
Thank you for your response. The points you raise are certainly compelling.
But, I still wonder why there are so many successful 100% volunteer departments across the country; some of which I know of personally through family and friends.
Don't get me wrong, I for one feel more comfortable with a full time professional fire department like the one we employee here in Derry. But for those circumstances like the one the DFD currently finds itself in, i.e. temporarily understaffed due to injury, it still seems to me a professional staff's efforts would be well served, supplemented through the development of a trained, reliable volunteer corps.
My son has been a summer life guard on town beaches, as well as private health clubs for a number of years. He does not get reimbursed for the expense of maintaining his Red Cross and WSI certifications. These expenses are considerable for any high school or college student to bear. But he still foots the bill with a smile because he loves the job. This type "love of the job" dedication is what I have also witnessed within volunteer fire department personnel in other areas of the country.
Why not "invest" those interested in volunteering by having them "invest" in their equipment? Sure, you may not get as many folks coming out, but those that do demonstrate a willingness to make an investment are much more likely to be deemed "reliable."
At it's core, I just don't see why a supplemental volunteer corp works for the majority of community's in the USA, even in light of the very real limitations you have outlined Ed. Apparently it did not work here in Derry. I hope the DFD looks into why. What it is that makes the many successful and effective volunteer forces click all around us.
Thanks again for your observations.
CVA
Ed,
I had hoped that 10:50 would reply to my email as to why the town should pay for your fitness. He expresses himself so well.
However regardless of codifying your accomplishments you did not address the questions posed. Fitness is more that excercise.
Lifestyle is a key component.
If we are using tax dollars to get and keep firefighters we have the right to demand access to controlling the uncontrollable aspects of lifestyle that contribute to fitness.
If we are looking to save money the least important assets need to be pared back. Your choice.
Mike Willinsky has had 11 days to respond and hasn't. Very telling.
Anonymous,
I don’t agree with your points. While you certainly have the right to put controls on my life at work you don’t have the right to control my off duty activities. The department’s random drug and alcohol monitoring program ensures that I live a drug free lifestyle. The mandatory department physical I am required to take ensures that I am fit enough for duty. Should I decide to mountain bike or skydive off duty is my choice. Look at it this way when I go to a restaurant and purchase a meal does that give me the right to control what those employees do when they are not working. After all the purchase of my sandwich help their employer pay for health insurance. What if your boss said to you I pay 50% of you health insurance I am requiring that you get up every Saturday and Sunday morning at 5 and exercise for two hours? Also no smoking and you must eat five servings of fruit and vegetables daily. The town has put checks and balances in place to make sure we live a fitness and lifestyle standard acceptable to the National Medical Association and the National Fire Protection Agency. It is not clear from you entry what you would like to pare back, without the information I don’t believe I can fully answer your question.
Thanks
Ed Gannon
CVA
You’re absolutely correct there are many departments across the country that are what we call “combination departments”. Your idea of having interested people purchase their own equipment has good intentions but your looking at a minimum of $2000.00 for a basic set of gear. I am not sure how many people could afford that type of money for a volunteer job. But then again we will never know if you don’t try. Have you mentioned the idea to your district councilor or the councilors’ at large? They would be the ones to get the ball rolling. It would be unfair of me not to give you a word of caution; the idea will encounter stiff resistance from many on the job. They will feel that the part-time or volunteers are taking food off there tables and not allowing them to provide for their families the way they have in the past. I am fortunate that the reduction in overtime has not bothered me at all. My wife’s good financial planning and my ability to teach at many of the regional hospitals and schools has more than supplemented any loses encountered.
Thanks for the Brainstorming
Ed Gannon
Ed,
I strongly disagree with your analogy and see now that we have uncovered and obscene sense of entitlement in the DFD.
Your argument that ordering a meal does not entitle you to control the lives of the servers is so off base from the salient point of this discussion.
When I order a meal, I can control the that the servers use good hygiene and wash their hands, the purview of their job. I don’t pay them to wash their hands. It is not only expected but enforced by the board of health. What they do with their personal life is not germane to serving a meal.
If fitness is so critical to the performance of Derry Firefighters that taxpayers should pay fitness related costs in both fees and time spent ON THE CLOCK for personal fitness workouts, why should the taxpayers NOT be able to exercise control over your off duty activities? To take money for this means that I can (or should) control your off duty activities as they relate to health and fitness.
Precedent: my life insurance mandates that I do not fly on certain non-US flag carrier airlines, that I carry an air-ambulance rider to get me back to the USA in the event of illness or accident. I cannot drive a motorcycle, skydive of engage in race car driving. To sport fly, I pay a significant increase in premium. They certainly have an effect on my activities.
Actors and actresses, models and other entertainers must be responsible for their appearance (fitness if you will). They get paid for the result but not the effort.
Pro athletes are expected to show up at camp being in shape, just like high schoolers. They do not get specifically compensated for the efforts in the off season.
So why are DFD personnel so special that they get fitness time compensated and memberships paid for?
I offer that it was a benefit that looked good on paper in some union negotiation that has gotten far away from the intended purpose in a profession that has too much free time on its hands between calls.
If you need fitness to hold your DFD position and pass requirements than you should maintain that fitness ON YOUR OWN TIME and at your own expense lest you be CUT from the department.
Anonymous
I can see we are not going to agree on much here. The fact that I am a public employee does not give you the right to control my off duty activities. The town’s random Drug and Alcohol policy keeps me clean and sober. I am sure there is case law that would indicate exactly where your right end and my rights begin. You may not agree with these findings but they are the decision of the court.
Perhaps you need to change your life insurance company, the extra controls they have put on your life seem very unreasonable to me. Personally I can not understand why someone would allow that much restriction but to each their own. Maybe you say a few pennies but is it worth them controlling your free time?
Comparing Firefighters to people who make millions upon millions of dollars for playing a game or staring in a Hollywood movie are you kidding? But in the true spirit of negotiations here’s my offer. Pay your firefighters what your hero actors, models and professional athletes make and we will pay for my own health and life insurance.
Fitness activities of Firefighters around the world are paid for because it lowers insurance premiums and provides attack ready companies during times of crisis. Our level of fitness keeps us mentally sharp when the world around you is crumbling. Top conditioning allows us to make faster better decisions when the public needs our services. Secondly this conditioning is recommended by the NFPA, a group of level headed Fire Chiefs, City and Town administrators, private citizens and fitness experts that set these standards. Third injury reduction, fit people are less likely to suffer injuries. When a physically fit person does become injured their recovery times are much quicker reducing the overtime paid to cover their position.
I certainly hope you never need emergency services from your tone it appears that no matter what we did or how much we cut you would not be happy. Thankfully the vast majority of people understand the importance of fitness and how it relates to the job we love so much.
Good Luck to you in your endeavor to dismantle public safety.
Ed Gannon
I started to write many responses, but realized from subsequent posts....None of us have the ability to make the needed changes.
For the poster that asked about me personally, I do live in Chester, I did live in Derry and I am a member of the Chester Dept. I enjoy participating in the community I live in, and the town my family is in while I am work in Derry.
The original release was placed here to make you aware of what is coming, not to scare you...not to intimidate, but inform..Many people ask for information - yet when its given it seems they want to kill the messenger...
We - the firefighters deal with this situation and our profession daily and have only the power of suggestion to solve these problems.
For the record, NOT ONE PERSON EMAILED with a question...I have read EVERY posting and Ed Gannon has answered most of them...
I make no additional stipend or money for being the Union President, I am on a firetruck or ambulance every shift I work. Yes we collect Union dues, but no salaries are paid with that money.
I am often here watching the blog, but seldom find it worth engaging in arguements. The facts are the facts, you have them, you have heard them......decisions will be made that affect you and I, take an active role in your community. Your safety is our concern
mike willinsky
While the thought and idea of a combination department is a,good thought traditionally they are unpredictable and therefore not always reliable.
When I first got involved in the fire service in 1987, i was in an all volunteer department with a EMS first reponders, and no ambulance (provided by a private service - if they had a unit available.
It was a different time - the guy that ran the local garage would close the gargage and respond - he was the chief and the 3 guys that worked for him were on the department, the guy who ran the boat yard went, and a handful of guys from the public works department responded - oh yeah and a mailman or 2..but when they were doing calls, their jobs, and personal businesses were not functioning.
Wake up people, that doesnt fly today - people EXPECT that when they call 911, they will get someone or something in a timely manner - EVERYTIME. In the system I just spoke of that was hit or miss.
It all comes down to what do want to pay for safety, be it police, fire, ems, IT IS YOUR CHOICE, once again....how much is your life or the life of a family member or friend worth..ITS A CHOICE U WILL MAKE...everytime you vote.
We are providing information, so informative decisions can be made.
Had a few extra minutes for a quick google search on volunteer departments:
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7214383
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6819466.html
http://whyy.org/cms/news/regional-news/2009/10/13/fire-departments-in-need-of-volunteers/19826
http://videos.masslive.com/abc40/2009/03/springfield_volunteer_fire_dep.html
For your reading pleasure, a NFPA 2004 New Hampshire Fire Needs Assesment report.
The first few pages confirm the information you have been given about the types of departments that respond around NH and the actual services provided...its lengthy but very informative.
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/50%20states/New%20Hampshire.PDF
Sorry to see Mr. Burtis on TV last week grinding his personal axe against our fire chief.
He, of all people, having designed and built our dispatch center (almost completely ;) ....) should know how having 1 dispatcher on duty instead of 2 would affect the public.....when two phones ring Mr. Burtis, and there is one dispatcher....one gets answered... the other keeps ringing.
You seemed to indicate that was a scare tactic...its scary, if you are the the phone thats not being answered.......
Mike Willinsky...(i am here...)
Last one for the day....
To become a New Hampshire firefighter you must....
http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/fstems/training/becomff.html
another difficult hurdle to overcome when talking about starting a combination or volunteer department..the time and commitment is extremely difficult...
certainly there is no time for blogging during this process.....
Thanks for running again Brian....open minded politicians seem most effective - not ones that always talk about constituents, but those constituents arent often heard from, and never seen.
while no one always agrees on things, politicians that listen have always been favorites of mine. The ones that ask questions and offer suggestions and work to fix problems are what we need more of......
Mike Willinsky
Link to Become a Firefighter in NH.
http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/fstems/training/becomff.html
Ed Gannon
Thanks for the info on how "fit" firefighters need to be. Does that include the Fire chief?
Or is his job just to look at ways to keep you busy and spend taxpayer money.
Like in the strategic plan:
"Objective #1: Within three months of the adoption of this document, post in a
professional manner the Vision, Core Values, and Missions Statement in all stations,
including signs at the entrances and offices of all Department facilities.
Also include the Core Values and Mission in all internal and external communications."
Do we really need to spend money on signs to list the missions statement? Now we know why the public wasn't asked to help WRITE this document, just review it. Looks like they were also trying to hide the COST of all this. Thank goodness the council wants costs put into this before they vote for it. Some of the ideas are good but most seem to add additional costs to the budget.
From all the posts from you and the union president "Mike", you claim to be so busy that you can't afford to lose 1 person. But you can do all that the strategic plan calls for. You can even send 6 firefighters to Vegas for days and yet the town was just fine. Who covered for those people? Was overtime used? What if the ones who didn't get to go needed the town equipment that they took? Wait, we must have extra stuff just laying around that the fire department doesn't use?
Spin what you want your way, some things just look bad to the public.
Saw in another post Mike Willinski is happy about BC running for council again. No kidding! He is in your pocket. The union will spend untold numbers of dollars on his campaign and the firefighters will be out in force holding signs to make sure he gets elected. It's about self preservation, just like the scare tactics you both spout on here.
Mike,
A little effort on thought here Buddy.
Your emotional response is off base and unprofessional and really shows the unions sense of entitlement. Don’t tell a Derry Taxpayer that you hope that they don’t need your services. You work for us and do not have the legal right to make that statement. If my house burned down tonight I would immediately produce this as a threat to withhold service on your part.
I have no intention to “Dismantle Public Safety.” Instead I want you to face reality that DFD is at a” guns or butter” decision point in funding. My question is: who should pay for your fitness? As a function of you job, like athletes and actors or the girl that has to wash her hands before serving food, why is there a difference in that the taxpayer should pay for your fitness? Who made that rule? Where was the precedent set that Firefighters get fitness time and expense from their town or city?
Pay you like pro athletes and actors? Thanks for agreeing that being a jake is no longer a calling. The fact of the matter is that a firefighter is not a doctor, lawyer or revenue producer like an entertainer. Get over it. Firefighters ARE SERVICE WORKERs. Service workers are by definition revenue consumers not producers. FF’s will never be paid like Tom Brady. I should not have to tell you this
My insurance policy is very typical of executives that travel offshore and have insurance policies in excess of $1mm. Don’t suppose when you have limited knowledge. You look like a fool. I have learned to live within my restrictions. Yes, in trade for the protection my family receives should I expire, I have to change my behavior. Why don’t Derry Firefighters? What is so special about firefighters that we have to invest in your fitness and can’t exercise control over your lifestyle beyond the fitness standards ( that the union sets).
• Healthier and safer firefighters are better able to provide safety to their constituents. I assume we agree on this?
• Your fitness is tested. We should upgrade the requirements and the Union should support the very best fitness standards. Agreed?
• Do we agree that a firefighter that can’t pass the fitness testing cannot be a firefighter just like those who fail drug and alcohol testing?
Now who pays for it?
My contention is that if the taxpayer has to foot the bill we should be able to control your lifestyle and activities to make sure we are getting a return on our investment in your fitness. What good is a firefighter that is pumping iron on the clock and slamming beers after hours? What about a firefighter in great shape that is in a motorcycle accident? What return do we get on our fitness investment there? Of course we are doubly hit in that we pay disability and have to re-staff the position.
I don’t want to control your lifestyle and activities after hours. But I want you to show me why your profession should be paid for fitness and have health club memberships on the backs of the taxpayer. You cannot continue to have taxpayers provide salary, pension and benefits at your staffing levels indefinitely.
Time to make “a guns or butter” decision Mike.
Can Derry firefighters live elswhere? I assume they can from Mike Willinsky's post. I just thought they lived in the community they served.
This is why the Derry Fire Department union endorsement is a great indicator for who NOT to vote for anon 4:15.
These poorly treated, underequipped and underpaid cry babies show up at the polls holding signs paid for by their fire union in support of the candidate that has a wink and nod deal with them.
They then get in their vehicles and drive away to homes that are not in Derry.
Once, just ONCE!! it would be nice to hear from the DFD union members that they appreciate what this community has does for them, rather than using scare tactics and flag waving in an attempt to get more.
Anon 12:59
Maybe the next time you come in to one of the fire stations you'll notice that these horribly expensive signs you refer to are no more than a sheet of computer paper in a cheap certificate frame.
They list our core values and mission statement and look nice too!
Way to go!
Please address your comments to the correct person. Mike did not make the comment about your intention to dismantle public safety I did. Off duty I have the right to make any statement I choose. Freedom of speech is protected by the constitution that fact that I am a public employee does not limit that freedom. Perhaps you should read the entire statement “I certainly hope you never need emergency services from your tone it appears that no matter what we did or how much we cut you would not be happy”. I am not quite sure how you interrupted this as a threat to withhold service. My intent was to say no matter what we do it still would not be enough to make you happy.
Your questions about firefighter fitness have been previously answered; please review the earlier blog comments. Apparently you don’t agree with this, fortunately you are in the minority. Most people like seeing us at the gym and competing in road races and other fitness completions especially those that specifically relate to our jobs.
Service workers in big capital letters is this an attempt to intimate or belittle me? For the record I have no problem being called a service worker. What’s wrong with being a service worker? You make it sound like it’s something to be ashamed of. If I wanted to be an angry egotistical offshore executive I would have gone to business school. But instead I chose to respond to other people’s calls for help, if that somehow makes me less of a person in your eyes it says a lot about whom you are and what you stand for. Regardless of what you believe being a Jake is a calling but having never walked in my shoes I guess you would have that knowledge. To bad you may have a different opinion.
One thing that has become very clear to me having an intelligent conversation with you is not a realistic option. You have your beliefs and I have mine and unlike some of the individuals on this blog with you it appears there is no common ground.
Good luck to you and all that you stand for.
Ed Gannon
Anonymous,
That was the case years ago but in a Supreme Court ruling it was stated that if a City or Town could not show a significant need to have an employee live in the community they serve in they are free to live where they like.
Ed Gannon
Anonymous,
My sincere thanks to the Derry taxpayers for the benefits and pay we have been able to fairly negotiate. Your negotiators appear at the table and follow the instructions they were sent with by the elected officials. I am sure that our open lines of communication will continue to provide fair and equitable contracts for both the taxpayers and the employees.
Again Thank you for the privilege
Ed Gannon
Your right Ed,
We should leave this conversation behind as your opinions are very much off base and you certainly are claiming your right to free speech in a most pejorative fashion to a member of the town you profess to serve.
The capitol letters on service workers was in no way a disparagement. In fact only you took offense. Perhaps you should look up the economic definition of Service Worker. With that understanding you might be able to grasp why the more intelligent unions are coming to grips with our economic issues rather that whining and saber rattling about logical ways of lessening the burden on the town that pays the bills.
However, follow your instructions from the Firefighters union. Yield nothing that you negotiated; get anything you can from the hapless townsfolk of Derry. Hell we will all come to Chester to paint your house if need be.
This morning on the news that had a segment about the uncertainty of salary, benefits and pensions for municipal workers. That is the new reality Ed. And it is creeping up on the DFD like the tsunami it is.
To anonymous 3;58
You are correct.ON another note.I wasn't aware that we have so many fire fighters living other towns Not in Derry ,but I did read on this blog of one living in Chester and working in both towns pulling in pay and bennies.
One would think that if a brother fire fighter could share one of his jobs before seeing the other be cut in the town he does Not live in.
OR would this be against the union .
Folks , get out your hankys we may here all the love this guy has for Chester.
Ed... No matter what you od or what you say, the DFD will always be the "Bad Guy" to some people in this town. For those, civilized conversation is almost non-existent. I learned a long time ago that arguing with a pig in the mud gets you nowhere. No matter your intentions, fatcs, opinion, or otherwise. All you end up with is the fact that your now covered in mud and the pig is smiling.
"Compromise - Let's agree to respect each others' views, no matter how WRONG yours may be."
This is a sad world we live in now. Who cares where the local firefighters live when they aren't at work? I don't care what they do all day as long as they are there when I need them. Same with the cops. Yes, we all pay their salaries with our tax dollars. I don't think that gives us the right to tell them where to live or how to live their lives outside of work. We also pay a larger chunk to the school system and look at some of the winners they are turning out. If you want to look for the real fraud in this town, look at the school system.
Ed Gannon,
There were some very valid points brought up in opposition to your fitness claims. Instead of reasonable arguments you derided and attacked. Please address the salient point. With the current economic challenges why can the DFD not stay fit on their own time and at their own expense? I believe this is key to understanding the DFD position.
R. Mckorkle
No 11:39,
The DFD is not the enemy to me.
But the mindset experssed here by Ed and Mike, the union line, is the enemy. The DFD Union has to have some self monitoring. In times like this they have to have less and fewer demands. But no they keep righ on pressing their agenda of bigger is better.
It is sad that ones serving can have so little respect for those they serve.
Weighted question
Say Mr. Gannon the taxpayers bring you 2000 lbs worth of weights and you slap on another couple hundred to make you feel like your getting a workout.The clamp comes loose in your tough workout while on duty at the fire station and one of the weights come off and injure your leg ,foot ,or back.
NOW you see a doctor and the doctor says you can't perform your duties any longer, your foot may throw a fit and dislodge.
Now you are on 100 % disability .Which means you don't work and you don,t pay taxes anymore.You my friend just got a 28 % pay raise.
Who is responsible for accident,taxpayers or you.
Tell us all, who sends the check every week to your home number 1. AND number two ,Why you now with a bad foot won't take a dispatchers job.
We want to wake up, and be informed .So tell us the story.
DERRY, NH - A Derry structure is still standing because of the hard work of Derry Fire Department.
On February 6, 2010 at 8:48 a.m. Fire Alarm received multiple calls for a reported structure fire at 20 Quaker Drive. Engines 3, 1, 4 and 2, Tanker 1, Medic 1, and Car 1 responded to the call. While enroute to the scene crews observed a large column of heavy black smoke from a few miles away.
Upon arrival Engine 3 requested a working fire and reported a large two story wood frame with heavy fire on the "D" side coming from a car fire in a two bay garage extending up the exterior of the house into the family room.
Car 1 (BC Webb) observed heavy fire with extension into the first floor; and heavy black pressurized smoke emanating from the building and he requested a second alarm be struck at 9:03 am.
Through an aggressive interior attack by all Derry fire companies, the fire was contained to the garage with some extension to the family room. Initial crews were able to complete primary and secondary searches which were negative.
Crews had some difficulty extinguishing the car fire due to leaking gasoline and the presence of various magnesium metal components on the vehicle. Crews rigged a 4:1 hauling system and dragged the car out of the garage were they were able to fully extinguish the vehicle fire.
This fire came in shortly after a shift change and Engine 3 responded with an extra firefighter making it a four person crew. This directly contributed to the reduction in property damage. If the overall staffing that responded to the scene had been any less, this structure fire would of extended further into the first floor and up to the second causing significantly more damage.
The structure received smoke and heat damage through out and was deemed uninhabitable. This fire is under investigation and does not appear to be suspicious.
The female occupant was transported to Parkland Medical Center by the Salem Fire Dept. She was treated and released.
Mutual aid was provided by Auburn, Londonderry, Hudson, Salem and Windham fire departments.
The fire occurred outside the hydrant district and water supply was provided by Derry, Atkinson, Auburn, Chester and Hampstead. Station coverage by Pelham, Raymond, Hooksett, Manchester and Hampstead.
Anon 6:50, you behave like a fire-fighter. Is your post of a news item supposed to prove that the DFD did it's job? Sure, DFD did it's job and no one was hurt. That's good and that's your job.
But keep in mind, there have been a number of structures in town that have burned to the ground. By placing your post you now have openned yourselves up to these less than flattering news accounts being posted as well. Great work sparky.
Doesn't the DFD require a minimum intelligence?
"water supply was provided by Derry, Atkinson, Auburn, Chester and Hampstead."
I believe Mr. Burtis has raised questions before regarding our mix of equipment and Derry's inability to supply water to a fire for any reasonable amount of time. He may sometimes be abrasive but could he also be right? Lots of expensive personnel are little good if we have supplied them with the wrong equipment. More tankers fewer firemen?
I am confused. The purpose of the story that the DFD did what we pay them for is what?
The discussion is not about if the DFD or any other department can get the job done. Nor is it about if they will do their jobs. It is about the value all inclusive of the cost including retirement, operating budget, health care, fitness, staffing, infrastructure.
In essence how can we do more with less during this troubling economic time. Why is a story of putting out a fire germane? IT IS WHAT YOU ARE PAID TO DO BOYS.
Janet Fairbanks is at it again.
Did you get a free meal from the PT?
Thanks for the question R. Mckorkle. In fact I offered a plan that would have only cost the town the cost of fuel for the equipment to travel back and forth to the gym. In the end it was determined that even that would have caused too many questions from the public. As far as my ability to stay fit on my own time I do. I am in the gym 5 days a week for anywhere between 90 and 120 minutes each day. I am in the gym before I go on duty in the morning and immediately after my shift the next day. When we were going on duty I would wait to go until my assigned time. This change has also cost the taxpayer some overtime pay. Before I always arrived for work 45 minutes early and if a call came in I would take the call so the brother or sister I was replacing could go home on time. I would cover their call and no one was paid overtime. Now I come through the door right at shift change. This means the 7 AM call is covered by the off going crew and the taxpayers pay the overtime for the person who responds to that emergency.
Hope this answers your question
Ed Gannon
I love how far some of you folks take things on this blog. I find it funny some of the things that we are complaing about. The one that makes me laugh the most is you people talking about the fireman and where they live. Do you think Kevin Coyle would move his family over to Londonderry because the town’s people there pay both him and his wife’s salary? Why should people want to live in this town especially the firefighters, do you think people would treat them nice at shaws when they are out with their families, or out to dinner, or at their children’s sporting events? The few of you on this blog that complain about the towns employees make me sick. Your all selfish and a so disrespectful to each other, you make our town look terrible. Some of my tax dollars go towards town councilors yearly stipend, so this is what I would want to see, I would like councilor Fairbanks to join a gym and loose some weight so she can perform her job, I want all the highway workers quite smoking, I want Councilor Coyle to stop working in Londonderry as a union employee that collects the same benefits as Derry union employees, and then has the balls to complain about our towns unions. I also would like to see councilor Metts give out free fish on Fridays at his Restaurant, because he collects some of my tax dollars every year... How about we tell all teachers that they shouldn’t go on ski trips with their families during the winter, because I pay there salaries.. I don’t pay his salary but I have to listen to him complain, so I would like John Burtis to move back to LA county where he collects a pension, just so he doesn’t screw the tax payers out there. Now because I pay taxes I should have the right to tell these people how to run their own lives? Get real folks! I live in this town, I grew up in this town, and I work in this town.. This is where I want to live, and this is where I want my kids to grow up… Let me ask you this, would we as adults and parents want to raise our children to be rude and disrespectful to each other? Do we want to teach them that they shouldn’t want to grow up to be a Fireman or Police officer, because they will get treated like dirt most of the time? Shouldn’t we be teaching them strong core values that will make them grow up and respect each other, and members of the community? We have good people in this town and great professional workers. They are no different than our neighboring towns. We are all frustrated with the economy and we see to pass the blame on to those that are here for us every single day, and it’s not right. Be angry with the leaders that sit behind the desks all day, not at the guys that are out on the line doing their jobs every day.
Anon 8:42...
It appears from your post that you have very little, if any, background in firefighting and/or water supply so I'll make this as simple as possible.
2 Firefighters with 10,000 gallons of water are insubstantial when compared to 10 Firefighters with 2,000 gallons of water. Do some reasearch and tell us all here why that is. Don't listen to Mr. Burtis' "expertise". Go and educate yourself.
If you've been in town long enough and have had the chance to open an ear around some of the old hats in town, you'd realize that Mr. Burtis and one of our esteemed "Puppet-Masters at Large" have had personal issues against the DFD for a number of years.
One due to the fact that his workmanship was horrible and one due to the fact that he couldn't get his way when he wanted his house "training burned".
While you're looking up water supply and such maybe you should dig into some Derry history.
Anon 12:30 I have been around Derry for many years.
I have seen the DFD go from part of the glue that held our community together to a department that is divisive. Not only to citizens but also from other town departments.
Ever since the EDFD was folded in the greed of the new DFD and it's union is clear for everyone to see except by the old hats and those that are foolish enough to listen to them.
The DFD Chief promised East Derry lower fire taxes because of efficencies after the EDFD was taken. This is in print. My tax bill has only gone up. I'd love to hear from an old hat or any of the politicians about this broken promise. Or should I say lie?
EDFD price per call was 3 times what the DFD is we get more bang fro our buck from DFD EDFD is just a bad memory
yes 11:08 that's why East Derry always had lower tax rates and why you folks had to kill it to keep you from looking bad.(and you looked bad, year after year after year) Just deposit my massive savings from the consolidation in my Swiss Bank account please.
300 calls to 4000 calls. Give me a break. Still price per call was more the EDFD is dead and gone!!!
Goodbye EDFD Goodbye!!!!!!!
Anon 10:30...
For the last 2 years the DFD budget has gone DOWN. Their OT budget has gone DOWN. The number of firefighters on-shift and on-duty has gone DOWN. What does this mean? It means that the costs associated with the DFD have gone DOWN. Keep listening to the BS being fed by the good ole' boys in town. The DFD costs too much!! They're ruining the town with their luxury union checkbook!! They're suckling off the good teet of the wayward citizens of Derry!! OH THE HUMANITY!!!!
Let me ask you this. If the DFD budget has gone down, there are LESS firefighters on duty, and the OT has been cut to ensure positions that are vacant are not filled... Why do our taxes keep going UP??????
Really. If the DFD was such a money-sucking leech on this town than WHY... as their costs and manpower keep going down... that my taxes keep going up??? Please answer me that question.
Right now I continue to pay MORE money for LESS services every year. Please give me an explanation for that 10:30.
Wait.... I think I found it. Guess I should have just looked on Pinkerton St. to begin with...
We don't measure things by price per call. If we did you would roll the trucks for every squirrel hit on the roads. Try cost per $1000 valuation or cost per citizen protected.
ANON 1030, the DFD are ruining this town? You are an idiot!Look at your tax bill, the fire tax is only a tiny portion!The only thing ruining this town are idiots who think like you! Move to Dummer, NH....I think you belong there! The DFD provide excellent service to its residents!
I remember when my tax bill used to say EDFD and I am glad to see one fire dept in town! It has saved me money. For all the idiots who want the so called "east derry" to be its own town.....go hire your own fire dept, police dept, public works, parks and rec, etc. because don't expect DERRY to provide those services for you! See what for tax rate is then....you fools!
And for the person who said you don't measure price per call.....good thing, because if you did the old EDFD would have been the highest paid fire dept. in the state! I for one am happy that I no longer live in "East Derry"....I live in the town of Derry!
It is clear to me now....that all the DFD bashing is from the good old boys club of the EDFD! So don't blame some in town for being members of the club now! You were a member once and "people in glass houses should never throw stones"!
Grow up already!
Anon 7:07...
Let's keep the name calling in check. No reason to go that route. This issue can and is very devisive and emotional for many people in town and I beleive we can all have a good conversation without resorting to name calling or dismissive tactics to further the cause.
Not to take that personal, because I myself have been as guilty. Though, I have learned to not wrestle in the mud. It's not worth it. Back it up with facts and figures and let it fall where it may.
Again, I ask 10:30, Mr. Coyle, Ms. Fairbanks, The ADT, or anyone connected to it, to please tell me why, IF the DFD is so outright expensive and one of the purveyors of all that is wrong with the tax burden in this town, that as their budget for service keeps going down along with their manpower and overtime, that my tax bill keeps going UP!!! Yes.. UP!
Explain that to me. These professionals are so expensive at what they do and the union is so exorbitant with their contract, that as their cost to provide service goes DOWN that my taxes keep going UP.
I know it's not as simple as that, but when I keep hearing this BS about backroom deals and massive contract giveaways and councilors being in the pockets of local unions, I can't offer any more advanced of a discussion when the tactics used to try and promote candidates are as simple as the question I keep proposing.
If the DFD's costs for service keep going down via budgetary consolidation, WHY do my taxes keep going up???
How can you blame the fire dept. for your taxes going up? Have you looked at your tax bill? The fire tax is but a small piece. How is the fire dept. contract so out of control? You talk about facts, where are they? What provisions in the contract would save you so much money? Please don't say cuting firefighters because we all need the best service possible in Derry, and cutting firefighters jobs is the worst possible situation.
Why is the fire dept. being isolated? Why is their contract the only one that is scrutinized? There are many other unions in town, yet the fire dept. is the only one being targeted!
Be careful who you listen too......there are "nay" sayers that either work for a union, have worked for a union or collect a pension from a union related job!
I for one wish my job had a union contract but I am forced to work day to day wondering.....I don't have anything against our unions in town. They deserve what they get from Derry. Support our police, fire and other unions!
I beleive my tax bill actually went down last year? Didn't the council save money. If you are going to spew words about facts...do the research and don't just listen to a few who have an axe to grind!
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