I contacted Fire Chief Chris Laramore to see how things were going and asked for a brief follow up as to the "mood" of things and how everyone is responding to the changes. Chris was kind enough to immediately respond with the following.
"Joe,
The City Council, Fire Company Board of Directors, and each sides respective legal council are finalizing the agreement, ie: the "MOU", and hopefully it will be ratified within the next week. I have met with City Manager Dennis Dare twice thus far, and have found him to be very supportive and cognizant of the interests of all parties, and yet responsible to the taxpayers and citizens we protect. In addition, the membership of the Volunteer Fire Company has voted to accept the agreement as presented, as well as the Mayor and City Council pending the review of the final draft. I have also met with representatives of the Career Firefighter Paramedics Association, the Fire Marshals Office, and have found them to be cooperative and enthusiastic, and quite willing to do their part to guarantee the success of this plan. In closing, I am very confident the Fire Service in Ocean City, is well on it's way to becoming one of the best and most progressive combined services on the east coast."
Thanks
Chris Laramore
What great news, everyone seems to be doing thier part. Good luck guys, keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of some of the CFPA, the Chief seems sincere, and he is correct, we are working with him, and we look forward to many of the changes that are forthcoming.
ReplyDeleteAs a 23 year member of the OCVFC we have not had good leadership for over 25 years until Chief Larmore. He turned our company around, and I have no doubt will do the same for everyone. As far as the progress, we are trilled.
ReplyDeleteThe Ocean City Fire Department made the right decision after all the smoke screens to serve the people that support them.
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