"As The Stomach Turns" at the Salisbury Fire Department.Firefighters are up in arms once again as Chief Hoppes and Deputy Chief Gordy are letting Firefighters know they just don't have the funding for training, travel, college classes and paramedic training.
Many young professionals joined the Fire Department being promissed that they'd take care of such training and classes, yet now they're being told the Department can no longer afford it. OK, that's disappointing, I agree.
However, what kind of statements does it make when out of nowhere the Chief and Deputy Chief make last minute arrangements to get on a flight and travel to Chicago for several days in order to attend the Fire International Rescue Show?
The registration alone is somewhere around $800.00 per person. This does not include food, airfare, hotel accommodations and whatever else these guys choose to participate in while they are there.
Here's what gets me the most though. Hoppes will NOT become the next Fire Chief of the SFD and Gordy is pretty much on his way out as well. How will this serve the TAXPAYERS of the City of Salisbury who are fronting all this money for them to travel to Chicago? I'll add, it's been reported that this trip is NOT in their budget.
Now, what's more important. Training your paramedics and young Firefighters, or sending the Chief and Deputy Chief to Chicago to better their own personal re'sumes for future job positions elsewhere?
werent they asking for a new truck with some 'unused' funding earlier? strictly IMO, all fire departments could use a lot of cuts.
ReplyDeleteThey'd have the money if they didn't spend so much running trucks back and forth to Wisconsin for paint jobs when it could have been done right here locally.
ReplyDeleteIt's no secret that these road trips are just paid vacations. The top two Chiefs will get the least productive information, and just eat and drink on the taxpayers dime. Remember the outgoing fishing trip, and two trips to Clearwater Fla. (VICOS conferance) the same year David See had already planned retirement. The waste never ends.
ReplyDeleteHow are they going to get training for the new fireboat?
ReplyDeletedont need training for fireboat all you gots to do is turn that steering wheel.... it got a steering wheel heck there is nothing to run into out there.... right
ReplyDeleteIsn't this called the tail wagging the dog?
ReplyDeleteThe only question to every fireman should be, "are you still going, if you have to pay your own way"? Painting fire trucks in Wisconsin? Why, when local businesses (auto & body shops) are barely scrapping by? Sounds like our Ferderal Government's policy, "Our primary job is to piss away all of the taxpaper's money, including their forthcoming children's money, and their children's children as quickley as we can make it happen. Now, how can we accomplish that today? I know, lets give it to the major car companies and we've got billions left over, lets give a load of it to a bunch of mismanaged banks so they can give their top execs a few million in bonuses for doing such a crappy job like we do. Oh, and I know, lets give ourselves a raise for the start of our new life long term as politicians. And we need better health care coverage for ourselves and our families. Health care for the working class, that's just staying ahead of their ouw financial tde? Screw them, politics are about us! Until fire companies and every other municipal body learns to habitually conserve, conserve and save for a rainy day like the rest of us do in our everyday life the problem will continue. Remember, "There's no such thing as a free lunch, somebody always has to pay".
ReplyDeleteI'm just sick of seeing that new, big truck joy riding around town. I saw them make a right from northbound 13 on to Main St. to make a right on Carroll St. & back to a right on 13 again. Talk about "just going around the block" literally.
ReplyDeleteBend over Salisbury, they screwed you again.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Deputy Chief Gordy is a volunteer. Secondly, he owns a very successful busines here in town and they also raise money for cancer research and the Girl Scouts of America.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure Deputy Chief Gordy PAID the expenses for this trip out of his own pocket.
Some people are just jealous of other people's success and jealous of other people's service to the community.
You should get the story right before you report such stuff!
Let not forget they are flying people in for the Officer Promotional Oral Review Board. What is that costing the tax payers.
ReplyDeleteFatman and Robbin are off to Chi Town for some farmin training on the city's dime. Tonight at 11 PM an ambulance will go out of service and two paramedics will be furloughed. College funding,Paramedic education,training and travel have been eliminated and theyre off to train on what ?
ReplyDeleteJosalyn is flying in to attend some training. Hoppes will be treated like royalty by Gordos girl from Indy.
ReplyDeleteThe Pirate is in charge while these two ass clowns are away. Should be a busy week of smoking by the dumpsters with with Hoppes's personal trainer and drunk office Lieutenant.
ReplyDeleteHELL..why not take the Fire Boat on down to Fl. and save on airfare..Better yet..stay down there and dont come back...I just cant believe the mayor acts like the girl he is and pouts on dumb crap and turns a blind eye to this BS spending....I would have have both in my office ASAP with an explanation..and if it wasn't in the budget..IT SURE WOULD BE IN THEIR PAYCHECK BUDGET!!!...Grow some ba&^s mayor (Wait never mind)
ReplyDeleteThe Mayor should demand an explanation from this pair complete with documentation of where the funds came from. Its no wonder why the morale of the emergency workers is so low.
ReplyDeleteEvery time this situation comes up Gordo says he paid for it out of his own pocket. Bulls@%t !
ReplyDeleteThis is chump change compared to their recent spending spree. They took 40 grand left over in 2009 budget and ordered dress uniforms at $500 a pop. The City could have used the money but they wouldnt turn it back in. That would show they didnt need it to start with. Pretty foolish in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI have heard from a reliable source that Mr. Gordy DID IN FACT pay for this trip personally.
ReplyDeleteSo I think everyone should just cool it in the future on these matters until the facts are known.
He is a volunteer to the City and the City should appreciate his service but instead everyone shows their jealousy and spouts off at the mouth!
I find it hard to believ Mr Gordy would be engaged in wasteful spending of the city's money. He is a good moral person. My guess is there is more to this story.
ReplyDeleteWhen will Salisbury get someone in her how has a proven record of taking care of the citizens money, developed a combination department and has dedicated himself to the fire service? We only hope Mayor Ireton brings him back in this round of candidates. We really need his leadership right now!
ReplyDeleteP.I.O Pooky
ReplyDeleteThank you for your two cents worth. Why no statement regarding fatass ? We all know theres somebody in the wood pile here and we dont want to hear your sugar coated prepared statement. Put yourself in for two hours of overtimeand call it a night.
Gordy is so deep in bs you need boots when you come within 10 feet of him. I don't care how many hours he "volunteers" he is a snake just like his buddies Hoppes, Bragg and Jimbo. Unless you are behind the scenes in SFD you have no idea of the amount of dirty laundry that is piled up!
ReplyDeleteYou may be right Joe that Rick Hoppes won't be the next fire chief and we don't want him. We also don't want Jimmy Payne from the Baltimore City Fire Department. This guy has no experience running a combination fire department that runs mostly EMS calls. This guy does not meet the qualifications and hate EMS. We already had an apple out of that bag when Mayor Tilghman appointed Steve Brezler from Baltimore County. This department hasn't been the same since and has rapidly gone downhill. This guy also has no experience with Volunteers and his union experience proves that. Jim Ireton you are making a big mistake here my friend.
ReplyDeleteBio found on the net!
James R. Payne is a 23-year veteran of the BCFD and is currently working as the Captain of Rescue 1, the only Heavy Rescue in the City of Baltimore. He has been an officer for 13 plus years. He has worked in engines and trucks as well as a member of various specialized Rescue teams such as the BCFD Dive Rescue Team, The Special Operations Team, and a member of a Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Anon 10:21 PM, who is Jimbo?
ReplyDeleteWhy does Ireton think an outsider deserves a Job as a department head in the city. This is a slap in the face to all city employees and city tax payers.
ReplyDeleteAnon 4:47,
ReplyDeleteThey aren't flying anyone in for the promotional review board. Where did you get line of B.S. info?
But I do have to say that as a vollie in this city, I'm ashamed to see continued wasteful spending.
I echo what 10:22 PM has to say. The Salisbury Fire Department doesn't need another fireman with a fire only background as a chief. Whether you like it or not the Salisbury Fire Department is an E.M.S. department that runs a few fire calls. Over 90% of the call volume is EMS related. That includes engine response going on mostly medical assists. That department gets it's revenue from ambulance billing and this guy obviously does not have any experience with EMS or EMS billing. Keep him in Baltimore.
ReplyDeleteJim Ireton is ruining this city every day. He has jumped in bed with the Barrie Tilghman Camp and does every thing he can to be friends with John Pick and Lore Chambers by giving them complete control of the city and pay raises. Jim Ireton proven to be an incompetent fool and nothing less. Please do us all a favor and resign. What does Jim Ireton, John Pick and Lore Chambers know about the fire service? Absolutely nothing. Send your Baltimoron's packing and you can go with them.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Gordo and Hopeless going on lavish vacations disguised as a leadership conference when we are having to do furloughs? I thought the acting fire chief and volunteer deputy were tasked with cutting the budget? Why are several of the SFD divers flying to Florida on a dive training class this week as well? You mean to me the only dive training can be found in Florida? Several of those divers go to Florida at tax payers expense several times a year. Why does the Salisbury Fire Department need a dive team anyway? To rescue a handgun thrown in a pond for the police department? Let them get their own divers.
ReplyDeleteIt is my understanding that the next Fire Chief must have a Bachelor's Degree. Is that true? Does anyone else know of this requirement?
ReplyDeleteIf so, it eliminates both of the gentlemen being discussed on this article.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteThe last line of your article is quite revealing.
While I doubt Hoppes plans to relocate, it is clear that Gordo has those plans as does his offspring.
It is possible they are usin' the city to pad their own resumes before splitting town.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteIt is my understanding that the next Fire Chief must have a Bachelor's Degree. Is that true? Does anyone else know of this requirement?
If so, it eliminates both of the gentlemen being discussed on this article.
8:34 AM
Yes that is a requirement. And so is the requirement that the candidate has to be a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician whicht those two aren't as well.
City of Salisbury
ReplyDeleteFire Department
Fire Chief
$70,111 - $98,173 DOQ Full Range of Benefits
The City of Salisbury is looking for an energetic and detail oriented leader to serve in the capacity of Fire Chief.
Duties: Directs and manages a combination fire and emergency/medical services department through utilization of a diverse workforce in a rapidly changing diverse community; directs and oversees all department operations including budgeting, planning, general command and control of personnel; develops and implements policies and procedures; establishes and ensures enforcement of standards for maintenance of property and equipment; works towards achieving established performance measures and works with other City and County agencies on service delivery.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree plus ten years experience in firefighting and/or EMS with five years at a supervisory level in a fire department with combination service (preference given to degree related to fire service) or equivalent combination of education and experience; MD Fire Officer III certification or equivalent; National Registry Emergency Medical Technician; and MFRI Staff and Command School or Executive Fire Officer equivalent. Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others; demonstrated experience in managing emergency services; working knowledge of modern computer applications; and ability to communicate effectively. A valid driver’s license is required.
Closing Date: September 14, 2009 at 4:30 PM
APPLY: Submit City application and resume to:
City of Salisbury HR
125 N. Division St.
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-548-1065 Fax: 410-548-3748
Web site: www.ci.salisbury.md.us
E-mail: jobs@ci.salisbury.md.us
EOE
And the current Job Description
ReplyDeleteCity of Salisbury
Fire Department
Fire Chief
$70,111 - $85,465 DOQ Full Range of Benefits
The City of Salisbury is looking for an energetic and detail oriented leader to serve in the capacity of Fire Chief.
Duties: Directs and manages a combination fire and emergency/medical services department through utilization of a diverse workforce in a rapidly changing diverse community; directs and oversees all department operations including budgeting, planning, general command and control of personnel; develops and implements policies and procedures; establishes and ensures enforcement of standards for maintenance of property and equipment; works towards achieving established performance measures and works with other City and County agencies on service delivery.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree plus ten years experience in firefighting and/or EMS with five years at a supervisory level in a fire department with combination service (preference given to degree related to fire service) or equivalent combination of education and experience; MD Fire Officer III certification or equivalent; National Registry Emergency Medical Technician; and MFRI Staff and Command School or Executive Fire Officer equivalent. Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others; demonstrated experience in managing emergency services; working knowledge of modern computer applications; and ability to communicate effectively. A valid driver’s license is required.
Closing Date: July 23, 2010 at 4:30 PM
APPLY: Submit City application and resume to:
City of Salisbury HR
125 N. Division St.
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-548-1065 Fax: 410-548-3748
Web site: www.ci.salisbury.md.us
E-mail: jobs@ci.salisbury.md.us
EOE
I am hearing this Jimmy Payne guy from Baltimore has a lot of tattoos and earrings. How professional for a city department head. Maybe that is a secret turn on for the mayor.
ReplyDeleteWa wa wa wa goes the a few over paid and under worked fireman. Same whiney crap a different day. This site should be reserved for real noes or information. This is just a personal agenda issue.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteWa wa wa wa goes the a few over paid and under worked fireman. Same whiney crap a different day. This site should be reserved for real noes or information. This is just a personal agenda issue.
11:09 AM
So who is this turd? Obviously a volunteer who couldn't get hired as a paid fireman.
Well April is around the corner and it is about time we start talking about some good candidates for office. God help us so we don't make a third mistake.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteWa wa wa wa goes the a few over paid and under worked fireman. Same whiney crap a different day. This site should be reserved for real noes or information. This is just a personal agenda issue.
11:09 AM
So who is this turd? Obviously a volunteer who couldn't get hired as a paid fireman.
12:51 PM
I'm the one that pays your salary and I'm tired of hearing all the whining and complaining. Try to get a real job instead of a government funded job and become a volunteer. Or is that to much work and community service for a bitch like you?
Mr Taxpayer
ReplyDeleteFind a real city with low crime and a real government. If you like coruption and liars then stay here. Best wishes from the firefighters.
Mr. Satin you must be one of those whiney fireman that acts like a child. Don't worry many are and that is why all the rentals. I'd sell my house but the unprofessional (yet paid) fireman scare away buyers. Good luck with that Government job as the tax values go down.
ReplyDeleteI seen on the news in Chicage that the chief and deputy was found coming out of a strip bar -- is this the way we spend tax dollars?
ReplyDelete