Dear President Kelly and Members of the Boston Fire Department,
I was very disappointed to receive President Kelly’s letter of December 11, withdrawing the support of the Union membership for the Strategic Planning Committee. I had hoped that the establishment and actions of this committee would be a bold step for progress in the Boston Fire Department. I am also disappointed that President Kelly believed that the IAFF Local 718 was not fairly represented on the committee. I took great pains to ensure fair representation. Of the 13 members on the committee, 5 were from Local 718, including President Kelley, 6 from the Department Command staff, including Dr. Mike Hamrock, our Department’s chief medical expert, and 2 members from the City.
As this is the Boston Fire Department’s Strategic Planning Committee and I am the Commissioner of the Boston Fire Department, it is fully within my authority to appoint to this committee whomever I feel would best fit its mission. Just as I do not dictate to the Union who should be appointed to various Union roles, I find it inappropriate for President Kelly to demand the appointment of certain persons to this Department’s committee.
As a department, I believe that we have collectively worked to support the values of proper and effective training. Since becoming Commissioner, I have worked with the city and the membership to make training and the improvement of the department’s apparatus top priorities, including dramatically increasing its financial commitment, especially with the construction of a new $4.6 Million tactical building at Moon Island. Additionally, external funding was obtained for a flashover trainer, also at Moon Island, and a Fireground Rehabilitation Unit, which directly impacts firefighter safety. Together, we secured over $4 Million for an apparatus replacement program that has already purchased two new ladder trucks this year and 6 more pieces to be delivered in 2008.
But beyond the accolades and the achievements we have earned together is the raw proof of our shared commitment. We all go to work everyday with one goal in mind; to make this the best Fire Department possible for the people of Boston and the men and women who proudly serve this Department. I had hoped and I remain hopeful that we can find the same common ground in our efforts and participation in the Strategic Planning process. I look forward to your response and I hope that you see fit to join me in this endeavor. I believe that our Department and the people of Boston deserve that much.
Sincerely
Roderick J. Fraser Jr.
Commissioner
