A City of Charleston firefighter says Chief Rusty Thomas should go. Last week former firefighters called for his resignation. But now, for the first time, in an exclusive interview, one of Chief Thomas' own speaks his mind. The firefighter says he decided to talk now because he had hoped once official reports about the Sofa Super Store fire were released, something would change. But he says, now that OSHA's report is out and points to lacking leadership, he says it makes him sick to hear Mayor Joe Riley praise Thomas and the department he leads.

"Now we're getting angry. It's three months into this and nothing's changed," said the firefighter. He's so bothered by what hasn't changed, he wanted to speak out. Only he's so afraid of retaliation, he won't reveal his identity. He says the Department is no different than it was on June 18th.

"We need better gear, better air packs. We need, the hose we need now. We need bigger hoses on the truck. We need more people, more stations. We need more equipment."

What he says Charleston firefighters don't need is Thomas as Chief.

"The only thing I can say is Rusty must have something on the Mayor, that's the only way he's still around because there's no way anyone in their right mind would be there, standing by him, through this," the insider said.


He questions how the Mayor can allow Thomas to lead after the City's review team found 27 flaws in less than a week. Of those deficiencies, Riley claims 19 have been addressed. The firefighter says the fix has come in the form of memos. He says he was handed nine in one day.

"The Chief has the memo and you have to sign it saying you got it. Whether you agree with it or if you don't agree with it. Whether you understand it or don't understand it. Sign it and here's the next," the firefighter revealed. 

To him, the memo's mean nothing. He says nothing has changed on his truck since night they lost nine. He describes Thomas' fire-fighting as having tunnel vision. Seeing the only way to fight a fire as the way he was taught years ago. He says his own men want him out.

"Loss of respect for him, he's a lame duck and needs to go," the firefighter expressed. 

When asked why stay with the department if he's so dissatisfied, he says he fears who'd replace him and that the department wouldn't be any better off.


As for any new equipment, a city representative said firefighters have been measured for new uniforms. The firefighter who spoke on camera confirmed he was fitted, but said no one has any idea what they're getting. Discussing new uniforms is on Tuesday night's City Council meeting agenda. If any equipment has been purchased, the City has not released any record of purchase or payment. When asked about larger diameter hoses, a City representative said the Mayor's waiting for additional reviews.