Here are the facts, directly from a councilman, written by a career firefighter/paramedic, and proud union member. Many are not happy with the process that has brought us to this point and the selection of the fire chief. However, we are committed to working with the new chief, and the parties involved to move forward, and continue to provide the service we have for nearly 50 years. The new city recognized fire chief is the current volunteer fire chief Chris Laramore. This selection was made because they felt he would be the best person to facilitate the change, and lead everyone through the natural progression of a combined service. He will not be compensated, however he will be held accountable for his performance, as well as that of his three respective departments. We have worked with this chief previously, and although not our choice or perfect candidate, have found him to be fair and reasonable. Regarding the comment that we can just sue, we have no pending lawsuits, nor have we been to arbitration, or even grievance, and have in fact worked diligently to resolve any concerns with the town in a fair and equitable fashion. I can say personally, and I hope on behalf of our entire division, congratulations to the chief, we will do our best to make this a successful operation. It has, and will be, our main focus to provide the best medical, fire and rescue service to the pubic we are sworn to protect.
To the person that wrote this comment, you have set the bar for the rest to follow. In the fire service, we work with what we have, and make the best of it. You have a chief you have agreed to help by understanding, and support, and most importantly, never lose the focus of the public. You represent a first class department, best of luck.
ReplyDeletePGCFD FF
Hopefully everyone will come together, and give Larmore a chance, in all fairness, he hasn't let us down yet, and he has no ties to the city manager or council, and although I am skeptical, maybe he can separate the unfair ties to the OCVFD.
ReplyDeleteI hope all this comes to a resoloution. Will you all be able to accept J. Jester as a 3rd Assistant Chief? I am curious as to whether J will be able to get his stipend for being President and a stipend for being 3rd AC.
ReplyDeleteEither way Good Luck.
EMFF FF
To the person also who wrote this it sounds like a person worth working for. You feel that he is not the most perfect person but are willing to put all differences aside and the public sees that as a great step forward. It is time to come together and make this a great department hopefully the past will stay in the past and have a clear path forward.
ReplyDeleteI agree, "great work" to everyone, what an example to set for the real fire service. Station 16.
ReplyDelete10:29, well said, thank you. PGCFD FF
ReplyDeleteTo my "union brother", On behalf of the other members, I can't tell you what a great comment you have started this with. We really have missed you guys, I for one am sorry for everthing that has happened. Chris has never told us anything other than what he believes is the truth, and I know from good sources he has lost months of sleep, and has aged years from this ordeal. Please keep your word and give him a chance.
ReplyDeleteOCVFC loyal member for 21 years
Way to go guys and girls ! Way to go! You have made us all poud. Sussex County FF. You have a good man, give him a chance.
ReplyDeleteSo seems the union isn't so bad after all. You volleys should be thankful for that, and likewise. Congratulations to Chief Larimore.
ReplyDelete"I hope all this comes to a resoloution. Will you all be able to accept J. Jester as a 3rd Assistant Chief? I am curious as to whether J will be able to get his stipend for being President and a stipend for being 3rd AC.
ReplyDeleteEither way Good Luck. EMFF FF"
I have not herd anything from Jester about running for 3rd AC, but it is my understanding that Savage is very interested in the position and intends on running. At least Savage has a cool temper, has managed to stay out of trouble, and can get along with and manage people. Good luck to all.
He will be great to work for, as long as you don't lie or betray what he stands for, I can tell you that, because I did, and I will regret it for a long time. He still won't trust me, and I can't say I am comfortable believing he will forgive the union. Be careful my brothers, he don't forget much. When he screws up, nail him to the cross and get a real paid chief.
ReplyDeleteI give Dennis Dare and Laramore no more than 30 days without a blow up and separation. Otherwise, the minute Laramore realizes he can no longer stand up to Dennis, I bet he will roll over just like Theobald, just watch. Union boys, you just got another Collins, I feel for you. WAKE UP, you problem is not the VFD, it's the city manager. OCVFD, you just got another Steger, and what little was not sold out, is gone now. Such a shame.
ReplyDeleteSteger, now there's a joke, he sold the department out. Larmore does not deserve this job, but at least with him you know where you stand, it could have turned out much worse. I am very proud of the career Paramedic/Firefighters to accept this, they have shown their true colors, they want to serve the community just a much as the volunteers.
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