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Friday, May 28, 2010

SFD Shift Changes BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND


Joe please post this memo about the Salisbury Fire Department shift changes. This affects the majority of the career division and it was unnecessary. This definitely displays poor leadership attributes in Ireton's choice for Acting Fire Chief Hoppes and Acting Deputy Fire Chief Bragg. These goons have created more turmoil within the Fire Department and the moral is the worst it has ever been.

None of the key people were involved in this and it will create more of a hostile work environment. Mayor Ireton the Career Firefighters endorsed your election and helped you get elected. Is this the payback you are giving them? Please get rid of Hoppes and Bragg now. The employees and their families don't need this turmoil which you have created and allowed by giving those morons the power and authority they can't handle.


Fire Department
Departmental
MEMO
City of Salisbury

To: All Department Personnel Date: May 26, 2010

From: J. Dru Bragg, Acting Deputy Chief

Subject: Personnel Reassignments

The following personnel have been re-assigned to the following position:

From To Last Day Reports
Captain Michael Davis S1 S16 C 04 June 2010 07 June 2010
Acting Captain Lorenzo Cropper Admin. S16 D 04 June 2010 08 June 2010
Lieutenant Michael Donaway S16 D Admin. Training 04 June 2010 07 June 2010
Lieutenant David Insley S16 C Admin. EMS 03 June 2010 07 June 2010
Acting Lieutenant William Frampton Admin. S16 C 04 June 2010 07 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Shirley Reddish S16 D S16 A 31 May 2010 05 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Robert Quillen S16 D S16 B 04 June 2010 06 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Melissa Brown S16 D S16 C 04 June 2010 07 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Christopher Truitt S16 C S16 D 03 June 2010 08 June 2010
FF/EMT-B Jeffrey Jewell S16 C S16 B 03 June 2010 05 June 2010
FF/EMT-B Jonathan Gray S16 B S16 C 02 June 2010 07 June 2010
FF/EMT-B David Haines S16 A S16 D 01 June 2010 08 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Kara Rhode S16 B S16 C 02 June 2010 07 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Anthony Webster Admin. S16 D 04 June 2010 08 June 2010
FF/EMT-I David Twilley S16 C S16 A 03 June 2010 05 June 2010
FF/EMT-B William Rathel S16 D S16 B 04 June 2010 06 June 2010 FF/EMT-B Donald Phippin S16 B S16 D 02 June 2010 08 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Nicholas Kinhart S16 C S16 A 03 June 2010 05 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Michael Carbaubh S16 D S16 B 04 June 2010 06 June 2010
FF/EMT-B Aaron Colegrove S16 C S16 A 03 June 2010 05 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Christopher Barrs S16 B S16 A 02 June 2010 05 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Ginger Phippin S16 A S16 B 01 June 2010 06 June 2010
FF/EMT-P David Brimer S16 A S16 C 01 June 2010 07 June 2010
FF/EMT-P John Dennis S16 A S16 D 01 June 2010 08 June 2010
FF/EMT-B Corey Mitchell S16 D S16 A 31 May 2010 05 June 2010
FF/EMT-I Patrick Herrman S16 B S16 C 02 June 2010 07 June 2010
From To Last Day Reports
FF/EMT-B Zackary Keenan S16 A S16 D 01 June 2010 08 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Heidi Etherton A16 B S16 A 02 June 2010 05 June 2010
FF/EMT-B Brandon Records S2 S16 B 04 June 2010 06 June 2010
FF/EMT-B David Cox FTO S16 C 02 June 2010 07 June 2010
FF/EMT-P Jill Walbert S16 C S16 D 03 June 2010 08 June 2010

This change will remain in effect until further notice.

Thank you for your continued support and as always should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the office.

cc: Richard A. Hoppes, Acting Chief of the Department
William E. Gordy, Deputy Chief of Volunteer Services

163 comments:

  1. can you translate to ENGLISH for the common man?

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  2. Nothing quite like screwing the employees over and over again. Hoppes' last chance for a blow to the people that didnt want him as chief. He is a lazy POS that will get whats coming to him in due time. Think of all the people affected by his poor leadership ability and the people who were working 2nd jobs to make ends meet. I would love to see a new chief get rid of him and the pirate forever.

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  3. I think its another example of government employees thinking they have some special entitlements. If I worked at a gas station and my boss changed my hours from nights to days I dont think I would be emailing Joe about how my leadership is bad and the mayor should do something. I would do what I was paid to do... work. It is your role as the employee to work when your boss tells you, not when you want to or have been working in the past.

    I am not saying this as an attack on firefighters. I think it goes to all government employees.

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  4. anonymous 9:00, Is your name Hitler? This IS the United States where we DO have our right to Freedom of Speech.

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  5. Joe,

    Sorry, you may have taken my comment the wrong way. I agree he has every rigth to speak out. I just see this giant disconnect between private and public sector employees. Thats all I was trying to get at.

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  6. so is this just a shift change?
    cut back in hours? what?

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  7. Joe and others that may not understand what this means to the firefighters affected by this:

    The firefighters work 24 hour shifts. When personnel are re-assigned it cause mass confusion to everyday life, including daycare issues, spouses work schedules etc. Most of the employees work 2nd and 3rd jobs on their off days to try and balance their own budgets. After repeated years of no raises, this is what employees must do and depend on that 2nd or 3rd job. Ultimately with changes that are unjustified such as these, not only does the employee suffer, but their families do as well. The Assistant Fire Chiefs did not wish for any changes to be made with their current staffing of personnel and everyone sees that this was done as a "last ditch effort" for Acting Fire Chief Hoppes and Acting Deputy Fire Chief Bragg to have "one last blow" to the members of the orginization that did not "vote" for him to become the permanent Fire Chief.

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  8. Joe:

    Please explain what this means for the persons named -- most folks have no idea because they are not familiar with the format.

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  9. Boo Hoo... At least they all still have a job!

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  10. These are the actions of desperate men hold the power for now. Hoppes knows he aint gonna be fire chief and its screw U time for the men in blue. Jim Ireton should put a stop to this crap like their promotional process that got squashed. The pirate has no clue what hes doin and it shows everyday. The asst chiefs are furious and they wont listen to them so what chance do we have. This was so uncalled for and on top of it we're gettin furloughed too. Please help us mayor.

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  11. This shift change will ultimately affect everyone involved and it will come at a cost. Shift work is difficult as it is and these employees and their families depend on knowing when and where they will be assigned. It will affect some on the holidays as they have small children. Some worked the holidays last year and now they have to work them again this year when they were supposed to be off. This is stressful work with no holiday or overtime pay.

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  12. In case you guys didn't know it, this was the mastermind of Bill Gordy, the volunteer wannabe chief who is actually running the Salisbury Fire Department.

    Thanks Jim Ireton, where is that help that you said was on the way?

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  13. What this does is create a hostile work environment and something Jim Ireton should avoid at all costs.

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  14. Theres a more important bit of info that you need to know Joe. Hoppes is shutting our stations duty crew down in June and there wont be any coverage in parts of the city. The citizens dont know that and they will have to wait for somebody else tp come.

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  15. For those not familiar with this format, here it goes. Firefighters and Paramedics work 24 hours on and 72 of. Salisbury personnel work many overtime shifts to make up the staffing to run calls. Teamwork and being familiar with your partner is important and thats what we had. This plan mixes up all personnel with no consideration for the team concept. End result a pissed off work force that doesnt know what to expect in your time of need. Try going to work at your job and getting mixed in with a bunch of people you neither know or even like. Get the picture.

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  16. Did anyone tell you theyre shutting down a fire station during the day ? Thats fine until your house catches fire and the other engines are on another call. Sorry bout your luck Joe citizen.

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  17. Bill Hastings said...
    Boo Hoo... At least they all still have a job!

    9:48 AM

    Bill Hastings or whoever you are it is more than just whining. This is a move that will affect emergency coverage to you or your families needs in the event of a crisis. When you don't get the service you deserve because of people forced to work under hostile conditions then I don't want to hear you Boo Hoo then!!

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  18. Mayor Ireton we ask you to step in an avoid a disaster. These transfers and station closings are unnecessary. We have no confidence in our Acting Chief and Deputy.

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  19. I have a great idea to the good firefighters and paramedics that worked hard to get Ireton elected Mayor. Since you were fortunate enough to be rewarded with Hoppes and Bragg and Furloughs you can work your forlough days. Work hard getting a petition signed for a RECALL on Ireton. Perfect reward of him!!

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  20. Joe, I think it would be a great idea to keep your post at the top since it will affect many of your readers. What you are reading is a shift changed disguised as necessary for closing a fire station down. That is right, Hoppes, Bragg and Gordy are planning on shutting down a fire station during the day which would limit response time for volunteers and career firefighters during the day. This is not a bust on the volunteers because many of them work during the day. If there are children or elderly trapped in a house fire near Tilghman road and they have to wait for a duty crew from Cypress Street the will die. Sorry about the news, just what is going to happen based on the lack of leadership skills of the Three Stooges.

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  21. Romo said...
    Mayor Ireton we ask you to step in an avoid a disaster. These transfers and station closings are unnecessary. We have no confidence in our Acting Chief and Deputy.

    10:14 AM

    I agree, get rid of Hoppes, Gordy and Bragg NOW!!

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  22. Bill Hastings
    You still have a job too at the guard shack for Bennet security. Enjoy your minimum wage.

    ReplyDelete
  23. There is always two sides to a story and we are only hearing from some possible ungrateful employees. So are you people saying that there are less people on each shift now or people have been switched around maybe because they suck at their job and need someone more responsible to hold their hand. This is some BULL. There are people out of work and can't pay for their bills and you people are whining about your schedule switched around? This is what happens when you get a president in power that pushes socialism. YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANYTHING SO STOP COMPLAINING AND DO THE JOB YOU GET PAYED TO DO!

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  24. No small wonder why this fire company cant get or keep people. Moves like this and the constant turmoil are why I wont work there.

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  25. Everyone understands furloughs and cutbacks but not a personnel change. WTH. poor leadership at the top. What do you think now Jim ? Ya think ya need to step in buddy ? Huh !

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  26. I this retaliation for FF Knapp telling Pookie about the Pirate and Mrs Knapp ?

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  27. Joe,
    Follow this story closely. Theres alot going on that you would like to know about.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous said...
    There is always two sides to a story and we are only hearing from some possible ungrateful employees. So are you people saying that there are less people on each shift now or people have been switched around maybe because they suck at their job and need someone more responsible to hold their hand. This is some BULL. There are people out of work and can't pay for their bills and you people are whining about your schedule switched around? This is what happens when you get a president in power that pushes socialism. YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANYTHING SO STOP COMPLAINING AND DO THE JOB YOU GET PAYED TO DO!

    10:27 AM

    You can't fix what is not broke you stupid idiot. Why create a hostile working environment when this change was not called for. These people and their families don't need the stress from the job with this mess.

    What is broke is the leadership in the department and Jim Ireton promised us change. Where is it?

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  29. I love how comments keep comparing this to any "other job". Please keep in mind that these Men and Women are the ones you expect to arrive in case of an emergency. As stated in many of these comments team-work, and bonds are key in their jobs. Not to mention the daily life schedules that have been completely thrown upside down with this "re-assignment". This is not a "gas-station attendant" as mentioned before, who is simply responsible for ensuring your sodas are cold, and the gasoline pumps are on. These individuals are responsible for saving lives, day in and day out. To compare these two professions is rediculous. It was also mentioned that we are only seeing one side of these changes. Can you tell me ONE positive outcome of these shift changes, and removal of duty crews... I'm only asking for one...

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  30. Jim Ireton when you told many of us in the fire department that there would be no retalliation. You lied my friend, this is retalliation at it's best.

    Acting Fire Chief Hoppes' vote of no confidence for permanent fire chief:

    1) Changing working hours of all day employees from 7:00am till 5:30pm M-Th and Friday 7:00am till 5pm.

    2) Numerous write up for small things on the fire ground

    3) Firing 2 good employees(a firefighter and a Paramedic) for something that should have been handled in house with discipline other than termination.

    4) Massive shift change that affects the entire department.

    5)

    6)

    7)

    Now what next? Jim Ireton, do your damn job!!

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  31. Ahoy Matie! My name is Captain Bragg and I'm running this here ship! And I'll pillage and plunder and plunge anybody that I want to! God knows everybody else has done the same to my dame. Now where's me darn eye patch!?!

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  32. Call this what it is. None of the people on this list supported the current Chief. Does it make life harder on them. Yes. But at least they still have jobs. Look at how many people are getting up today that would kill for these postions. They need to look at going back to all volunteer at 16 except for the EMS. Look at how many calls the engine actually runs. Most of the time its smoke alarms going off. They are eatting away at a very low city budget. The volunteers at 16 can handle the paid guys load. Its done all over in larger towns then Salisbury.

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  33. joe mentioned "freedom of speech"

    this is more an example of freedom to be a coward.

    the clown ass 'firefighter' who sent joe this memo is too much of a toward to go up the chain of command with his problems. this is why people hate firefighters, they always think they are hot stuff and yet are too scared to stand up for themselves

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  34. What is so astounding about this? Shift changes happen all the time and 9 times out of 10 the persons/people being reassigned don't like it. Is this being brought up because of the number of people it affects this time around? Maybe the author is one who got changed this time around and doesn't like it. I wonder if he stood up and spoke when others were having their lives shaken up?

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  35. you people need to remember that all these guys volunteered for this job. even if they are career firefighters they still chose to do this. if they don't like having to work a certain shift then they can talk to their leadership or quit. they aren't better than anyone else, and certainly are more replaceable than alot of you believe

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  36. The assistant chiefs didnt know anything about the moves. What kind of management team is that. Its the Bragg and Hoppes way or else. These guys should boycot any future meetings or conversation on future plans.Its obvious they have no say.

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  37. Can you say blue flu and sick out boys. Pull a Jon Gray ! Thats funny I dont care where ur from. Lord I apologize.

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  38. Not just shift changes, one station will be shut down during the week and one paramedic unit will be shut down at midnight leaving 2 to cover the entire responce area, thus reducing the ability for a speedy responce and not enough to cover the already stressed areas, someone will die as a result ! These changes will also hinder the responce times of fire personal during the day when the volunteers are at their full time jobs and most aren't available during the daytime hours. Station #2 at Naylor St. and Brown St. will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Station #1 will be closed on Monday Wednesday & Friday. Far lying areas in the responce areas will be alot slower allowing for the potential of life and property to be at a greater risk. Something needs to be done, we can not allow this to take place on June 7th. The citizens will pay with life loss and property loss. This is a fact. The paid personal can live with the changes however it will be hard to see the people we protect suffer.

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  39. Mr Pirate
    I will have the last laugh on this one. Your a joke and this bit of retaliation proves that your a joke. Waht ya gonna do when Pookie sends you packin ?

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  40. Can the firefighters here clarify the statement about a firehouse closing. I live on Dykes Rd. Does this affect me and how ?

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  41. I'm a volunteer with the same training. Would you like to trade jobs? You drive my truck 6 days a week and I will take your place. I don't care if the shift changes every month.

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  42. This is a case of I am the boss and I CAN tell you what you WILL do! You give some people power and this is what they WILL do!! This will affect many of our surrounding fd's as well. For the "no times of coverage." Let me remind you we are in the times of "I'll take you to court." Please reconsider you decision on the account of the many people this will affect!!

    Thank You,

    Signed CONCERNED INDIVIDUAL

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  43. 11:03 We are hot stuff,and love our jobs, name the time and place. If you are man enough. Punk !

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  44. The Pirate made sure he moved all the best people to his shift for when he returns soon. The dealer never loses does he ?

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  45. The acting Deputy Chief may have proposed the moves but the Fire Chief approved them. Blame him for another mess. No need for a big word here Chief. Total mess will suffice.

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  46. Since we are hated so much I have an idea, Lets all quit, career and volunteer as well as paramedics, hell we aren't appreciated so screw it all . Let the animal control take care of the public. Hell city PD. can run the ambulances and engines. Salisbury taxi can take heart attack and car crash people the hospital. We don't need this crap.

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  47. This is more than just a problem with the working conditions and time management. This is affecting the quality of service to the citizens of Salisbury and the surrounding communities. This means that one station during the day will be shut down duty crew wise. The volunteers will do all they can to respond during the day and continue the service they have always provided. Volunteers would have to respond to some calls they would not respond to due to the leaving of work, like automatic fire alarms and med. assists, since some employers don't really want them to respond to real fires and rescues. But, the response times for all calls will be higher due to the distance of the nearest duty crew now. Volunteers still have the travel time to the station and the uncooperative citizens driving on the roads now. Maybe a new reason for the volunteers to have emergency lights in their vehicles now for them to differ from non emergency providers. DE and VA allow this why not MD? But, this all adds up to the possibility of someone dying when it could have been prevented. They are even shutting down ems service in one station, Sta 16, at night what about the lives that could have been saved but lost due to the nonability of response. They have the personel and the resources to still provide coverage like they always have but this move is unnessary. If they think this is about money maybe they need to rethink the money they are spending now or even ways to cut some fat where it is needed in daily operation costs. Maybe they need to take some money management classes. how about using one of the three utility trucks up there to run supplies to stations costs less to run one of them then a fire engine to get supplies. Make the assistant chief go to the different stations to have meetings instead of runnning two fire engines and two ambos. to Sta 16 for meetings all the time.

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  48. Anonymous said...
    Call this what it is. None of the people on this list supported the current Chief. Does it make life harder on them. Yes. But at least they still have jobs. Look at how many people are getting up today that would kill for these postions. They need to look at going back to all volunteer at 16 except for the EMS. Look at how many calls the engine actually runs. Most of the time its smoke alarms going off. They are eatting away at a very low city budget. The volunteers at 16 can handle the paid guys load. Its done all over in larger towns then Salisbury.

    10:58 AM


    Obivously a Gordo follower. Stating the volunteers at Station 16 can handle the calls is a mere fallacy. The volunteers are never around when the pagers go off for a real structure fire or rescue. Go back home Gordo we don't want you here.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous said...
    The assistant chiefs didnt know anything about the moves. What kind of management team is that. Its the Bragg and Hoppes way or else. These guys should boycot any future meetings or conversation on future plans.Its obvious they have no say.

    11:22 AM


    WTF do you expect, they don't run the department, Bill Gordy does!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous said...
    joe mentioned "freedom of speech"

    this is more an example of freedom to be a coward.

    the clown ass 'firefighter' who sent joe this memo is too much of a toward to go up the chain of command with his problems. this is why people hate firefighters, they always think they are hot stuff and yet are too scared to stand up for themselves

    11:03 AM

    Nothing like this piss pot calling the kettle black. I noticed you didn't sign your name. PU$$Y!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous said...
    you people need to remember that all these guys volunteered for this job. even if they are career firefighters they still chose to do this. if they don't like having to work a certain shift then they can talk to their leadership or quit. they aren't better than anyone else, and certainly are more replaceable than alot of you believe

    11:09 AM


    This appears to be a comment from someone who didn't get a paid job as a firefighter! LMAO Get your EMT, Lifestar is hiring!!

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  52. So you are telling me Bunky Adams is now the Admin Captain? LOL, I thought he was on light duty?

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  53. Note to Mayor Ireton:

    Please replace Hoppes NOW!!

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  54. Instead of complaining on the blogs why don't these firefighters and EMS/EMT types all go, at the same time and meet with Jim Ireton in the GOB. Don't leave until he agrees to speak with you. Or stage and out and out protest right in front of the GOB. Where is your union? Go on strike, call in sick, take vacation days...whatever it takes to get the attention of our boy mayor. Shut them down. While you're at it, take public works employees on strike with you and the police department. Who the hell ever heard of cutting public safety from a budget?

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  55. okay so I am confused! First I read that they work 24 on and 72 off (10:07) and then It said all day employees would be 7-5:30 Mon-Thurs and 7-5:00 Fri (10:46). Which is it? and if its the latter who covers the weekends?

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  56. The police dept goes through this all the time! employees are rotated to different squads/divisions as there are openings/vacancies/ promotions and it is necessary. yes it sucks for the affected employees who have to adjust their schedule but its part of the job, they don't go complaining to joe like it's the end of the earth! With a sour attitude like this, maybe these people needed to be moved!

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  57. Anon 1:34 PM, just as it said!!

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  58. Anon 1:28 PM I agree with you 100% but those guys are weak and they fear retalliation. Ireton won't protect them because he doesn't have balls himself.

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  59. Sarah J. said...
    Can the firefighters here clarify the statement about a firehouse closing. I live on Dykes Rd. Does this affect me and how ?

    11:42 AM


    YES, Station one will not have a paid fire crew so if you have a fire and you need to be rescued from your burning home you will have to wait for the duty crew from Station 16 on Cypress Street. Just hope and pray they are not on another call or the Rt. 50 Bridge is up.

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  60. Anonymous said...
    I'm a volunteer with the same training. Would you like to trade jobs? You drive my truck 6 days a week and I will take your place. I don't care if the shift changes every month.

    11:46 AM

    So tell me Mr. Volunteer exactly what training do you have that makes you qualified to get hired as a career firefighter? Better yet tell us who you are so we can look it up ourselves. My guess is you are a wannabe and not qualified to get a position with the city.

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  61. Anon 1:55

    If they had moved people to fill vacant spots it would have moved at the most 4-6 people. This move affected 31 of the 48 personnel. When moving the 4-6 would have not been an issue. But they replaced entire shifts without reasons.

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  62. rotations is normal in shiftwork.

    that said, if i were the mayor and there was a strike id do what reagan did to the air traffic controllers "get back to work, or start lookin"
    there are plenty of people out there that would take a job right now, and im sure many of them have training as volunteer ff

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  63. Why is Bunk Adams rewarded with the Admin Captains position. That whacko is on psych meds and needs to be let go.

    Mayor Ireton, this guy has no vacation time, no holidays and no sick time. He abuses his time and elected to go and get surgery on his neck for an injury that did not happen on the job. Since he violates city policy and abuses sick time he is rewarded with light duty. That's right Mr. Mayor light duty for 6 months to a YEAR!! That means you won't get any work from that person or the position.

    That fire department is a mess and needs to be overhauled immediately.

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  64. You know, because the fire department is the only city department that works swing shifts. Oh wait, they aren't.

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  65. Still waiting on ONE positive outcome of this... Remember just looking for ONE...

    1.

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  66. Those of you who are not in the fire service do not understand the severity of what is happening. It is not only about shift changes. It is about poor management. This has been brewing for months, if not years. Poor judgment calls from current "Acting" administration have been more than rampant for the past few months. Please, instead of commenting on the blog......call the Mayor's office and the "Acting Chief's" office and complain. Things will not change in this city until Fire personnel and the citizens of Salisbury and the surrounding served areas demand it. When you are in the midst of a medical or fire emergency you will want the quickest response possible and residents, you are not going to have that quick response. Firefighters, can we please show brotherhood or is it lost forever? Those in the midst of the storm know exactly what is going on and it's time to do something about it. You can comment all day long but unless there is some action put to the words, nothing will change.

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  67. blutojthetotmom said...
    Why is Cox even still allowed in the department?Isnt he the guy who pretended to be a cop and pulled people over in his car???Creepy.Not someone I would want in my home in an emergency.

    2:38 PM

    Yes!! And he has some other criminal baggage that comes along with him as well. This re-hire was authorized by Mayor Jim Ireton and he was well aware of his criminal background.

    And to think Hoppes, Bragg and Gordo fired a great Paramedic and Firefighter/EMT-B for something minor.

    Either Hoppes goes or Ireton goes! Stand Up and Fight Career Firefighters!!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Anonymous said...
    Are any of these people whining on here grown adults? Sound like a bunch of crybabies the way that are crying.

    Get over it! You have been reasigned. Go to work or quit!

    2:34 PM


    Sign your name Hoppes!

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  69. To the same few nay sayers on here, the guys aren't whining they have a ligitimate complaint.

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  70. blutojthetotmom said...
    Why is Cox even still allowed in the department?Isnt he the guy who pretended to be a cop and pulled people over in his car???Creepy.Not someone I would want in my home in an emergency.

    2:38 PM


    You obviously do not know Mr Cox. Who are you to judge people? Do you know the WHOLE story? Do you know him personally? Probably not. Just rememeber there's 2 sides to every story, and not to believe everything you see/hear.

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  71. Nothing ever does.

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  72. Insley going to EMS admin?

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  73. So tell me Mr. Volunteer exactly what training do you have that makes you qualified to get hired as a career firefighter? Better yet tell us who you are so we can look it up ourselves. My guess is you are a wannabe and not qualified to get a position with the city.

    2:15 PM

    I have taken the same classes that you have from MFRI. So don't play like just because you get paid you are better. Loser!

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  74. I agree with Anon 3:29 PM. Call the mayor or bombard him with emails about his lack of leadership and choice of Acting Captain. Please demand that Mayor Ireton relieve Hoppes of his duties effective immediately.

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  75. Looks to me like we have found out who the trouble makers are at the salisbury fire dept. I see a lot of paid names missing from this list.

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  76. Memo to Local 4246 Members:

    At your next Local meeting(tonight) remember to only admit your LOCAL members and not employees of the SFD, ie. Gladwell. He is not a member of the local and he is a pipeline to Gordy and Hoppes. You have let him stay in meetings in the past and this is not acceptable. Please follow the bylaws.

    ReplyDelete
  77. May 26, 2010

    Salisbury Fire Department Announces Operational Changes

    The Salisbury Fire Department has announced necessary operational changes due to staffing shortages, cuts to the overtime budget and impending furloughs, which will be implemented beginning June 7th, 2010.

    At this time, the Salisbury Fire Department has five operational position vacancies, coupled with the current hiring freeze, which often causes overtime needs. Two of these positions will remain frozen for at least the next fiscal year. With multiple furlough days required for each employee, as well as their allowed vacation and holiday time, a change was needed to accommodate the decrease in available staff.

    The call volume, times when calls occurred daily, etc. were scrutinized thoroughly. The decision was made to eliminate the weekday duty crew at Station 1, (Beaglin Park and South Schumaker), for now.

    Instead, the weekday duty crew at Station 2, (Naylor and Brown Streets), will run Truck 2 from Station 2 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The same crew will run Truck 1 from Station 1 on Tuesday and Thursday. The 24 hour duty crew engine at Station 16 will still remain running as is. Both Station 1 and 2 will maintain their 24 hour ambulance crew presence. This will allow for a duty crew presence in both stations throughout the week, and allow equipment to be maintained at each station during the day. Thus, a shift change was made to realign personnel to help fill vacancies on 24 hour shifts.

    Enabling the mandatory furlough days was the next hurdle. When an employee is off on mandatory furlough, that position cannot be filled with overtime. Again, the numbers were analyzed and it was decided to shut down Paramedic 16, from Station 16, (Cypress Street), from 11pm to 7am, Monday through Thursday nights, only. Again, both Station 1 and 2 ambulances will still be running 24 hours from their stations. Paramedic 16 will run 24 hours as normal, Friday through Sunday, when the call volume is heavier. This will allow the department to cycle our employees through their furlough days.

    The Salisbury Fire Department is aware there may be times when services could be delayed. We will be doing our best to make our normal, expeditious responses with the tools and personnel we have. When the current budgetary crisis is resolved, we are back to optimal staffing, and are no longer required to take furloughs, we remain hopeful we will return to our previous

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  78. 3:29 Amen. But, the brotherhood seems to be gone. To many young bucks with the attitude that they are better when in fact they are only there for the fun stuff and not the real work. They only like to stur sh^t and step back and laugh when we all should come together on this. It is not only affecting the fire department but our families as well longer response times means the possibility of our loved ones dying too.

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  79. Buried in da BuryMay 26, 2010 at 4:48 PM

    Bunky on light duty? Bunky's duty is the booty. He's so whacked out he doesn't know which end of the pencil the lead comes out of. Pretty sad actually. Shift changes aint the problem here folks. Stupid illiterate people at the top are where the problems begin. Dru Bragg is the biggest joke on the Eastern Shore and his "better-half" is even bigger. I'm on the list of shift changes and I could care less. It's the incompetance I'm fed up with. A new broom makes a clean sweep. Remember that.

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  80. This is all retaliation because Hoppes wasn't the choice of career or volunteers. Ireton should be impeached. Make a selection for Chief and let someone that knows how to run an organization take over. The days of David See still exist. New blood is needed.

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  81. Why move one of the best officers to training? that is ridiculous. He needs to be on a shift.
    Gordy , Bragg and Hoppes all deserve to be demoted to firefighters. They have done enough damage, and it just continues to effect the entire organization.

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  82. Its kinda funny but the county operates with volunteers and they have no problem getting to calls.Salisbury has volunteers and I am sure they will get to them same calls with no problem.If they don't call somebody else thats just the way it is.

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  83. You guys are lucky to have a job. Quit complaining.

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  84. gee when my boss tells me what time to come to work, i usually follow his direction. Either that or I get out. Guess you will need to find a job without a weight room attached

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  85. My.. my such complaining from the good 'ol boy fire fighters. How's that Wicomico County "Revenue Cap" working for you now?

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  86. Ask the Pirate why he made changes in overtime slips for hundreds of hours that firefighters didnt work. When a member goes to class for 5 hours and submits an honest slip it was changed to show more for some reason. It was done for three classes that people know of and could be more.

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  87. Im tired of hearing about the 2 recently terminated FF's Paramedic McCrorey was attempting to intubate a PRMC nurse in the back of a city ambulance While FF Knap video'ed it... Then someone put in on you tube... Yeah medical malpractice and/or negligence its someting minor. Wonder how that "career" issue got past you Joe... The PRMC nurse was fired, and the 2 FF's were fired

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  88. That's a 10-4 5:31

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  89. When the recent promotional process was announced the Mayor put a stop to it. Lets see what he does with this hot potato. That was above board,but this is just mean spiritted and wrong.

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  90. Poor leadership makes poor decisions. This has a flavor of retaliation to it with a dash of salt for the wound.

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  91. I pin the blame squarely on Bragg. He didnt have to move all these people and kick them when they were down. Furloughs are bad enough, but this is a pill to swallow. Thats ok buddy cause youve got it coming to you. When you got as many enemies as you somebodys gonna get a piece of ya.

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  92. Hey, I didn't see Braggs on that list?? OH that's right he somewhere with his nose up someones A$$ !!!

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  93. 5:28 and 5:31 you have NO idea what is going on in the department. Walk a mile in their shoes and you'll be yelling too. This is NOT going to go away. It's only going to get worse...acting admin knows it! These guys and gals have legitmate complaints. It's been kept quiet too long and it's time to straighten the department out. Gordo, Hoppes and Bragg are not the ones to do that........The paid personnel have careers....not jobs. They have trained long and hard to fulfill requirements for that career. I want someone other than the three stooges in charge where burning buildings and ems emergencies are involved. You'd better thank your lucky stars these people are around when you're clasping your chest and gasping for air from a heart attack or trapped in your vehicle from an accident. They will be the ones to save your butt not Larry, Moe and Curly Joe.....or is it Three Blind Mice? Oh and I understand they will be singing a new tune soon:
    Three Blind Mice
    Three Blind Mice
    See how they run
    See how they run
    They all ran out of the mansion bright
    They ran in the dark just like thieves in the night
    Crying Pookie, please save us our future's not bright.
    Three Blind Mice
    Three Blind Mice

    Now that there is funny, I don't care who you are. I don't apologize.

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  94. 5:28 and 5:31 are the same sh!t stirring trouble making volunteer from Station 16. I know who you are. When was the last time you got arrested?

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  95. SOLD!!!!! Apparently there isnt even ONE postive outcome of completely dumping the department on it's head, and watching the peices fall back together like a snow globe... Good Job Pirate Man... "99 Greene Turtle Mugs on the wall... 99 Greene Turtle Mugs... Take one down, turn the department upside down... Thank god there's Greene Turtle Mugs on the wall..."

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  96. It's a JOB and they're your boss. So, shut your traps and get back to work. Oh, and by the way, the Admin. could care less how you feel, grow up.

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  97. Anonymous said...
    So tell me Mr. Volunteer exactly what training do you have that makes you qualified to get hired as a career firefighter? Better yet tell us who you are so we can look it up ourselves. My guess is you are a wannabe and not qualified to get a position with the city.

    2:15 PM

    I have taken the same classes that you have from MFRI. So don't play like just because you get paid you are better. Loser!

    3:45 PM

    Ok Bozo prove it. What classes have you taken? Again better yet tell us who you are so we will know how qualified you are? What kind of experience do you have? Are you a paramedic? I doubt it so go blow smoke up someone elses rumpt you turd!!

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  98. So whats being said is "it isn't convenient for me, it isn't convenient for my spouse and my daycare routine will be in total turmoil now!! I cannot believe it! Obviously none of you with such frustration has ever been in the military or employed in an occupation requiring your presence in accordance with the needs of our nation, our state or our local government. Thank God our nation didn't have to depend on the likes of you during any war or crisis. Who would you get for daycare??? What would you tell you wife?? Simply unbelievable. And you call yourself public servants??? How shameful.

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  99. Man this got a lot of comments. Just shut your mouths and do your jobs.

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  100. hahaha Anon 11:53 AM ended his comment with a "Punk!"

    I haven't heard that since the 7th grade. Nice.

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  101. Well try puting the assist chiefs back on engine take everbody out of these dum ass bullshit training postions and put them back on shift and wow your staffing is almost normal so stop bs games trying to scare the public into thinking sfd is going to suffer from lack of postions furloughs etc bull crap !!!!!!!!!!!! thats truely what this is a last ditch to get more funding Grodo, fat ass and pirate should feel bad for using thier employees like this to try and make a point thats false!!!
    and p.s. Bunky as Admin Captian man bunky good thing pinky took you under his wing and got you your GED!!!!!!!!!!! years ago hey made any more of those tapes like years ago ????? MAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW LOL

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  102. alot of you moron 'firefighters' really are cowards

    not only are you trying to threaten anonymous users while still remaining anonymous yourselves but you're also disrespecting your entire command on an awful blog

    you should all be ashamed of yourselves and hopefully this shift change was an attempt to cleanse the sfd of all your pathetic asses

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  103. Low moral in Salisbury....never. I work at one of the advertised dealers that rhymes with sohanka and moral there is low due to poor management as well. Certain ppl get treated differently and management breaks the very rules that they set. Its pretty much the norm at ALOT of locally ran businesses. Why do you think so many local ppl are pissing and moaning all the time?

    I know how you FF feel. There is only so much of being screwed everyday before its time to leave.

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  104. I think this entire thread is hilarious. A bunch of whinny losers with no life and jealous of those who are wealthy, have insurance and do little work to earn all their money. Yes, you are also made because your wives are not as good looking either. Glad I liver in another county and can laugh at your immaturity.

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  105. Gordo and his cronies will make a point when they need to. If the funding is less than they want then you will get cutbacks and lack of coverage until you say uncle. He is very powerfull.

    Why not just go ahead and make Gordo the Captain? Then he will be responsible for his actions. Right now he acts behind the senes and no one knows it is him. Make him the captain and let him stand by his decisions.

    Gordo has been runnin the show for years now. I say make him the captain.

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  106. Shift Changes...hm....This should be interesting.....

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  107. Just let mine burn down.

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  108. The Local chose to side with this Mayor and it has come back to bite them in the rear. Hes just another lying politian and your paying for it boys and girls.

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  109. I can't act like I know a whole lot about what goes on there but from all I can see this just seems completely unnecessary and pointless. I would love to know the peoples in charge reasons behind messing up their employees lives. They had to know this would make them unhappy and lower moral. There has to be a reason because this just doesn't make any sense to me.

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  110. Interesting line up of characters in this mess. The Acting Chief who openly criticizes the Mayor and worships Gordy. Knows he has no chance to be Chief but elects to carry on.The Acting Deputy Chief who is little more than a puppet and figure head. Knows he was the last choice because nobody else wanted the BS job.It was good for him because it stroked his ego and a chance to act powerful.He seizes the opportunity to retalaiate and load his shift for his eminant return.His live in girlfriend is chosen as P.I.O to deliver the message and tell us all is well and services wont be affected. What a handsome trio this is and where is Gordo ? In the shadows as usual. Here is a picture of why your fire department is in the mess its in.

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  111. Joe,
    Your take on this matter comes as a big surprise to me. I watched your 6 pm news cast and you shrugged this off as those firemen complaining. I'm surprised you havent contacted your normal sources to get their take on this whole situation. This is rotten to the core and against everything you stand for. Dig Deeper Joe.

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  112. it's not a "shift change"...it's people being reassigned. A "shift change" would be going from a 24/72 to a 24/48- and that WOULD suck..the entire career fire service in MD has been served a nice, big, steaming sh*t pie. Come get your slice, take your furlough (not your LAYOFF!!!!!), acknowledge it sucks, choke it down and move on. And if Little Baltimore, i mean Salisbury, isn't working out go get another job in a diff't career dept. They're hiring.

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  113. Hey Mr. Volunteer...Do you have any real EMS training? If you are an EMT...bet your just a "cardholder"...Don't get me wrong...There are some good Vollies out there that will step and do EMS...but most wanna just ride "Big Red" or drive the medic unit when asked to...They won't do the "dirty" work and do pt care.... EMS is a taboo to most of ya...admit it loser...If you had it your way, you would have the career staff doin just EMS while you ride the engine or truck...For all I know you're probablly an officer that is'nt even quallified for that position...Step up and show some "Balls" and do 24hrs on one of the medic units...on a weekend ( Friday or Saturday) just as long as it doesn't get in the way of your "Real Job" or your beer drinkin time......Note this is'nt directed at all the SBY Vol...some of them are are great people and are willing, and want a good working relationship with the carrer staff..

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  114. What gets me is the people that get on here with the "it's ok" attitude and tell you to move on. Well guess what my friend it is obvious this doesn't affect you. I would love to see you have this job and constantly get F#%ked with by Gordy, Hoppes and Bragg. And as a good employee I am sick and tire of the I don't care attitude by our mayor. I am sick and tired of Ireton telling us they can't retaliate. WTF just happened? I guess you are going to just let it happen to us aren't you Mr. Mayor. He Jim, remember who walked the streets with you and held your signs on election day? Remember who helped you get elected as mayor? How soon you forget and then turn your back on us. You are a disgrace. You owe us an apology!!

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  115. I think the term career fire fighter is a misnomer. The way they act it should be crybaby fire fighter. At least we admited to the fact they can't be called professional. Let the whining continue.

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  116. "Everything is kept top secret," the firefighter said. "There has been retaliation within the department against people who have given information out. You're scared to death to even look at people wrong."


    There is a lot of truth to this quote in the daily times today and it is apparent that retalliation is alive and well in the Hoppes and Gordy administration. The irony is that Ireton told us they can't retalliate? WTF!!

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  117. In an e-mail Wednesday, Ireton called it the "cottage industry which is the underground world of fire department politics," adding he wouldn't let said politics "dictate" his day.

    Another lie from Boy Wonder! If he was sincere about this then he wouldn't allow Gordy and Hoppes to control him. Let's face it Ireton you are scared to death of Gordy and they OWN you!! They are the reason you haven't made the right decisions yet and you know it.

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  118. Keep the pressure on Ireton Joe. Please move these posts back to the top. Thanks again.

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  119. Chuck Hughes said...
    Im tired of hearing about the 2 recently terminated FF's Paramedic McCrorey was attempting to intubate a PRMC nurse in the back of a city ambulance While FF Knap video'ed it... Then someone put in on you tube... Yeah medical malpractice and/or negligence its someting minor. Wonder how that "career" issue got past you Joe... The PRMC nurse was fired, and the 2 FF's were fired

    5:56 PM

    Chuck Hughes? Is that really you? The Chuck Hughes that used to be a career member of the Salisbury Fire Department. Shame on you Chuck Hughes!!

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  120. Go Salisbury Volunteers. Take back your station.

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  121. they didn't intubate her and she wasnt a nurse. she was a student and she quit. she asked to be taped. she was the paramedics gf at the time. i hardly think someone should lose their job for holding a camera up while someone put a tube in the girls mouth only, not down her pipe and she asked him to do it. i dont think anyone should have been fired for that. we could benefit more if they were on the street helping and doing their job. there is a shortage of paramedics

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  122. Hey Hughes, Seems you still have a short fuse just like back in the 80's........

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  123. she was not his gf........we are talking about the chief's inability to do his job...get back to the subject.

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  124. They let a guy back after he was arrested for saying he was a cop?!?!? WTF!

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  125. Anonymous said...
    Go Salisbury Volunteers. Take back your station.

    4:11 PM

    As a career member of the Salisbury Fire Department I say the volunteers and Gordy can have their $14 million dollar palace on Cypress street. The majority of us would love to go back to headquarters on Division Street. Mare Ireton are you listening!!

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  126. I hope that wasn't the whining ass Chuck Hughes that used to suck up to Francis Darling then quit like a baby when he got his feeling hurt. What a wus!!

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  127. Anonymous said...
    Anonymous said...
    The assistant chiefs didnt know anything about the moves. What kind of management team is that. Its the Bragg and Hoppes way or else. These guys should boycot any future meetings or conversation on future plans.Its obvious they have no say.

    11:22 AM

    I heard that during the staff meeting the assistant chiefs were trying to convince Hoppes that the shift change was unnecessary and uncalled for. Hoppes left the room for a few minutes then came back and told the assistant chiefs if you didn't like it then "tough shit!"

    Can someone tell me if there is any truth to that conversation?

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  128. It just seems that higher positions have a mission or their own agenda. The two FF's that were wrongly fired are a perfect example. Something smells.....

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  129. Anonymous said...
    It just seems that higher positions have a mission or their own agenda. The two FF's that were wrongly fired are a perfect example. Something smells.....

    9:17 PM

    You can bet that was a personal agenda on the part of Hoppes and Bragg and Mayor Ireton knows about it. To bad Ireton is to much of a pansy to do the right thing an replace acting chief Hopeless.

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  130. why do you think they wanted to get rid of the 2 FFs? curious...give us the scoop

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  131. Anonymous said...
    why do you think they wanted to get rid of the 2 FFs? curious...give us the scoop

    10:46 PM

    As if you don't know. LMAO

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  132. no, i don't know why they wanted to get rid of them or i wouldn't have asked...geeze

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  133. I agree with Anon. 8:06pm....Give us (the career FF)back our Division St. station...Let the vollies keep their $14 million station....waste of good tax payer money if you ask me..

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  134. Ithought it was the fire trucks that went wah-wah not the career fire fighters.

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  135. Its funny this has not been the big story like all the paid guys thought it would be. You have milked the system long enough. Bring back the volunteers. Look at what the paid staff has done to the Salisbury Fire Dept. New trucks and a building. All not needed. You treat everyone around you like your are the king because you get paid. You are no better then the volunteers. If anything the volunteers care more about the people of Salisbury. You are in it for a pay check.

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  136. 2:57...the career FFs did NOT want the building and trucks. You didn't either.

    Gordy wanted it. So his puppet See got it for him, along with Hoppes' fire boat.

    We should all be working together against THEM, not against each other.

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  137. My goodness , what is wrong with the Firemen. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to. Life is full of change , you better get used to it! I don't believe they are asking you guys to do something unsafe or against the law. So , having siad that , SUCK IT UP and stop whinning. yada, yada ,yada. pull out the mini violin.

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  138. Anon 2:57

    If you think really hard....Gordy is the one who is behind all the equipment purchases and buildings...Not the career people...And Gordy is well......A Volunteer!!!!

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  139. Fire , Fire , fire , raging all about , where is the fire man to put the fire out? Fire the fire men.

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  140. There was no progressive discipline with the 2 that got fired. They had never been in trouble. And say what you want, the punishment did not fit the crime. These were good guys and they cared about there jobs and did not cause trouble.

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  141. The real question is????

    Who's pokin pookie?

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  142. Anonymous said...
    My goodness , what is wrong with the Firemen. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to. Life is full of change , you better get used to it! I don't believe they are asking you guys to do something unsafe or against the law. So , having siad that , SUCK IT UP and stop whinning. yada, yada ,yada. pull out the mini violin.

    4:32 PM

    Look idiot, this didn't have to happen. This isn't something that "Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to." This is obvious retalliation from a very sore loser who wasn't supported for the fire chiefs position. Rick Hoppes is a sore loser and he is trying his best to burn everyone he can. He needs to go and now.

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  143. EWWWWW! There ain't enough alcohol to make anyone want to poke that. Why do you think the Pirate stays drunk? Yo Ho Ho!

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  144. wow! this is crazy,im not a fire fighter and i dont care about this really at all but i think i will coment,ok yes sometimes people have to deal with shift changes and you comply or get out,this has changed alot of peoples lives that have been on the same schedule for a long time probly and you dont usually see a whole company effected by this usually just a few people that need to change thier shifts to better suit them just like someone stated if its not broke dont try to fix it and heres my whole thing....can the person/s that made this change even come up with a legitiment reason of WHY this shift change was needed.....and also when the boss decides to change things around ie., your shift wouldnt he/she normaly sit down and talk with the people that he wants to switch around 1on1 to see if they can even cope with the different hours or if not then they have to find a new job.....thats what i dont get!

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  145. All of you just need to learn to get along. maybe this is God's way of insisting that when you are at your job, you do your job and forget the crap. (then maybe there wouldn't be any!)when we ask for patince or whatever, He will give us something to test it.
    this whole post is nothing more than children that need to grow up.

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  146. 8:10 and 8:23 you can kiss our asses because it is more than a shift change and you know it. It is retaliation from the morons that Ireton has given power to so you need to back off. You know darn well what is going on and the only crybabies are Hoppes, Bragg and Gordy.

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  147. Funny how the shift changes have to happen now to save over time yet the month of June will blow the over time budget for the 2012 fiscal year due to this change, even though the ACs advised it to be a bad time to make the change.

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  148. Look at the history of the man who made the changes. A Maple Shade resident because he was so bad as a child. Forced to enter the military because he got a girl pregnant with twins as a tenager.Failure to pay child support to them and then gets married to another woman. Has a child with her and leaves her for a woman involved with multiple partners in the fire service. Known as a Paramedic with average skills and terrible attitude who rides the wave of Salisbury EMS and the overtime train. Hangs out evry morning at the training center to get answers to test questions on promotional exams. Gets promoted and has the "TRUCK" crew at 2 with all of his arrogance and poor attitude. Pretends to hang himself at the Wor Wic tower rescue and milks a fake injury for months. Continues to have the worst shifts as a Captain,Assistant Chief and now the whole department is screwed up. Thats a role model by golly.

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  149. 10:43 pretty much sums up the a group of the career fire fighters who do nothing but complain. They complain about the volunteers, the chiefs, the equipment, you name it. Now they tell the people who pay their salaries "kiss their asses." Asses is a good description of them.

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  150. If the career fire fighters dislike the new station, new equipment, the bosses, the volunteers why don't they quit and go get a job somewhere else. The volunteers have jobs plus they fight fires. Soem of these career guys have jobs outside hanging around the fire house, whining like little girls.

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  151. I hope if I need the fire fighters they send the volunteers. These career guys sound like they can't get a long with anyone and would stand around complaining. Plus all I hear is Gordy got this piece of equipment and Gordy is responsible for that new piece of whatever. Maybe he should be chief and take the entire department volunteer and then maybe we can call the firs fighters "professionals."

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  152. What else can go wrong ? The assistant chiefs and everyone right down to the newest volunteers dont support this administration. Its amazing to me how anything gets accomplished with an atmosphere like this. The Mayor just sits back and lets it happen like theres no problem.

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  153. 12:08 and 12:13 PM(the same wannabe volunteer farmin),

    There are bad career firefighters and bad volunteer firemen. Unfortunately you are one of the bad vollies. You are only in the fire service for the glory of running lights and sirens and wearing the uniform. You are not a firefighter and never have been. You are uneducated and have minimal training. The few courses you have taken you failed and blamed it on the instructor. You are worthless and a real fire chief will weed you and the bad career firefighters out. Good riddence I say.

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  154. I pray the mayor and council appoint someone who is mature, has not had law trouble, does not booze or carouse, knows the fire and medical business and can manage money and personnel.

    As just a citizen with no dog in this fight and no relatives in any local departments, this is what I pray for. The timing of a massive shift change, reassignment or whatever you call it just screams "I'm on my way out so screw you."

    For those of us on the sidelines, this is just plain scary about what it will do to the services we pay for.

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  155. Do all the career firefighters on the 24 hr shifts know their furloughs will begin at 11pm at night? That's right they don't get the option of taking off the entire 24 hour shift so they can take that opertunity to make up that lost income. This is Hoppes, Gordy and Braggs way of screwing the guys that didn't support their empire for fire chief. Rick Hoppes is a very angry and vindictive man that can't handle power. He has been on a mission to screw everyone that he feels is a threat to him since he became the Deputy Fire Chief. That lazy man is not even qualified to be a simple firefighter EMT. Jim Ireton we know you read these blogs so please put a stop to these Nazi Dictators. PLEASE!!

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  156. Pookie's worn out. I got me a new Knapp Sack.

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  157. Its so refreshing to know that the taxes paid for fire service are being pi$$ed away with childish ppl in charge. Gotta love the shore.

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  158. Hoppes is not liked by anyone and he has driven the moral of the Salisbury Fire Department in the ground. He needs to go and should have been gone a year ago.

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  159. The shift change/reassignments or whatever you wish to call them is what it is. Lets all take a deep breath and look at the Real Picture. Instead of focusing on the changes in personnel lets look at what is/should be the focus of both career and volunteer personnel. Closing S-16 downtown was wrong and I cannot believe Bill Citizen has not picked up on this. When fire departments across the country close a fire station, it produces an outrage of the effected community. Citizens usually protest in front of the station and as a result of their outcry, the station is usually left open. Response time to the downtown, hospital, college and surrounding area is greatly increased now because of the station closing. Now there is talk about shutting down career coverage of S1 & S-2 during certain days of the week and again, no outcry from the public. It would make more sense to assign the truck crew to S-1 M-F than to rotate back and forth. The real reason is probably so that a cleaning crew is in S2 a few days a week. Wow, I must have some inside info. Lets forget about the safety of the citizens, again. Was a station on the west side needed. Yes, but 10M could have remodeled S-16 downtown, built a station on the west side with a new training facility and built a station up around the Centre of Salisbury which is also needed. Mayor if you are reading this, pay attention.

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  160. Anonymous said...
    The shift change/reassignments or whatever you wish to call them is what it is. Lets all take a deep breath and look at the Real Picture. Instead of focusing on the changes in personnel lets look at what is/should be the focus of both career and volunteer personnel. Closing S-16 downtown was wrong and I cannot believe Bill Citizen has not picked up on this. When fire departments across the country close a fire station, it produces an outrage of the effected community. Citizens usually protest in front of the station and as a result of their outcry, the station is usually left open. Response time to the downtown, hospital, college and surrounding area is greatly increased now because of the station closing. Now there is talk about shutting down career coverage of S1 & S-2 during certain days of the week and again, no outcry from the public. It would make more sense to assign the truck crew to S-1 M-F than to rotate back and forth. The real reason is probably so that a cleaning crew is in S2 a few days a week. Wow, I must have some inside info. Lets forget about the safety of the citizens, again. Was a station on the west side needed. Yes, but 10M could have remodeled S-16 downtown, built a station on the west side with a new training facility and built a station up around the Centre of Salisbury which is also needed. Mayor if you are reading this, pay attention.

    5:13 PM

    I agree with just about everything you said, but the real picture is the current administration F$#king with the lives of the worker bees of the fire department. That cry baby loser Rick Hoppes didn't get his way so he is on a mission to screw everyone he can. Rick Hoppes kissed a$$ to get where he is today. Rick Hoppes conned Steve Brezler and Barrie Tilghman to get where he is today. He has been on a mission since the power hungry thug got an ounce of power. He has been writing people up, suspending, talking down, and firing people for no reason except that he can. He is a mental midget that tries to use big words which he has no clue what they mean. He is nothing more than a weakling that wants to bully people around because he can. To paraphrase the previous poster: Mayor are you reading this, pay attention.

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  161. "Acting Deputy Chief" Dru Bragg arrested a second time for DUI and this time charged with drugs. You should do a follow up to this guy and then "Acting Chief" Rick Hoppes.

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