Blogsite Uncovers True Feelings Of Firefighters
posted 5:57 pm Thu September 27, 2007 - Charleston, S.C.
A firefighter’s Blog is getting
Jay Lowry talks with
But Lowry says Thomas' obsession is single minded.
That is except for what some firefighters have started to call the inner circle. Lowry says it is common knowledge: promotions are personal. He compares it to royalty.
"You ascend to the throne based on family lineage or what you're willing to do personally. Rather than what you give to the job. More firefighters believe that than they believe anything else," Lowry said.
Lowry believes several firefighters are actually more qualified or have more training than their own Captains or Battalion Chiefs. He says even the Department's Training Chief, Chief Ricky Shriver, does not possess the adequate certifications and education to be teaching.
When asked why, Lowry said, "Well. I think it goes back to promotions that don't threaten the frangible ego of the fire chief."
As time inches closer to four months past the Charleston nine fire, Lowry says the morale is low.
"(They’re) Grief stricken and upset. There's anger, frustration, grief, and guilt," Lowry lamented.
Though, in honor of the nine they loved and the job they love, they continue to persevere. Lowry says many just wish they could trust they'll soon have proper equipment, real training and a Chief who will change his ways. Instead he says, the City has a review team making recommendations that are standard throughout the Nation.
"Yet, taxpayers believe there's a department here that's class one and best in the Nation. That doesn't happen to organizations that are the tops of their field. They don't have people coming in trying to bring them up to a minimal level," Lowry said.
Lowry does applaud Mayor Riley for at least moving things in the right direction by bringing in an evaluation team. But he says, following up is another story.
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