It feels like a piling-on, ganging-up attack. I don't know all the details, but from what we have been briefed on, there appears to have been multiple internal issues with the EMS service. We will see what the investigation reveals about who knew what, and when they knew it. It is quite possible that the raft of resignations and retirements we have seen over the last 6 months could all be connected somehow. We shall see in due time.
As I pointed out yesterday, though, not every firefighter believes everything is Mike Weaver's fault.
Others with whom I have spoken since Mike Weaver abruptly announced his retirement have strong feelings on the matter:
"The union is destroying public safety and no one is doing anything about it other than getting backed into a corner by some want to be bullies that have the media's attention. I don't think the worst is over yet, there's no one between the Union and the county admin to filter the BS. Sad/Bad days ahead" said one long term fireman.
"The union and a few individuals are going to kill this county" said another.
A local pastor familiar with the matter asked the following questions:
1. Are you going to stand by and let an employee with the dedication, knowledge, and expertise of Mike Weaver leave abruptly without even crafting an exit plan or planning for a replacement? I believe you and I both know, his heart is not to leave. His retirement letter indicates he is doing it because he believes it is his only option. Are you going to let that happen?
2. Does the firefighter's union seriously get to tell you how to do your job? They write a letter with unsubstantiated claims about Weaver's job performance causing a crisis, and you're okay with that? I thought you're accountable to the voters in your district, not unions. Why do they get to tell you how to do your job, and you silently let them do it?
There is a lot more to the story that will come out in the months ahead. Meanwhile, we await the results of the investigation.
I did not know Mike Weaver very well, however all the interactions I had with him were very positive and professional. I would be remiss if I also didn't point out the obvious; resigning in the face of mounting criticism--especially if one does not feel the problems are his/her fault--is often a selfless act that puts the mission and the people ahead of the person who steps aside.
In other words, IF the one who steps aside is truly blameless and STILL resigns--this is an HONORABLE thing to do. People should recognize this if it is applicable here.
5 comments:
It’s unfortunate that a union can push out a Public Safety director over the fact that he isn’t pushing their agenda. That’s not what public safety directors do. Everyone has suggestions to solve an issue, but it doesn’t mean it will work. No one is perfect. if county had a serious issue, they could have politely asked him to step aside.
I will also say it is MY OPINION that the unions goal is push for higher tax increase, more personnel and trucks. Some of those requests are great, however a higher tax increase and more personnel is not. Not when you have Volunteers still in those combination departments or full volunteer departments (Beulah, Molino, etc) . Some who still return to keep district protected. Let’s fix the issues and come up with a plan to improve all departments and personnel to ensure we fix the issue instead of raising taxes.
I will also say it is MY OPINION that the unions goal is push for higher tax increase, more personnel and trucks
the goal is to insure that ALL citizens have equal protection and coverage. the fleet is aging and the personnel issue is huge. several have left for better paying departments that are w/in driving distance of escambia county
Not when you have Volunteers still in those combination departments or full volunteer departments (Beulah, Molino, etc)
you really have no clue do you? request the responses and times from these stations. its public info. you will be surprised. now, is it their fault they can't handle these calls. absolutely not. they have families to support and jobs to maintain. so if they can't run the calls that leaves, you guessed it, a career crew to cover them regardless of how far from their regional response area they are having to travel and leaving their primary district uncovered except by the nearest career engine
Some who still return to keep district protected
Some...who return...while they are returning a career engine will be responding
Let’s fix the issues and come up with a plan to improve all departments and personnel to ensure we fix the issue instead of raising taxes.
ther has been a plan suggested, unfortunately that plan has fallen on deaf or apathetic ears. if you look at what the city of Pcola pays on "fire taxes" as compared to escambia your jaw will drop. the CoP has 5-6 engines to cover about 30sq miles...distirct 6 in the county is a little less than 30sq miles.........with one engine...this is waht the public/taxpayers do not know.....escambia is so far behind in regard to public safety sans the SO, it's not even funny. we wouldn't be behind if the bocc years back would have followed a plan out in place by former fire chiefs that basically was scratched by the PS director whom the FC has to report to. would you rather you deliver a speech you wrote or have someone else do it for you?
Why don't you reign in D2 from politicizing everything and running to the media ahead of the the Board.
I don't know what all is going on internally but it's "funny"/not funny to watch.
DU say he has to run to Tallahasse like he is going to single handily fix everything then still gets the front man interview for WEAR.
D5 wants to be quiet.
D3 say hire minorities.
It is like Mexican food, (same thing rearranged)each time watching the meetings on every issue.
One facebook citizen watch goes silent when something is said against DU, and snarks about campaign contributions toward you. The other is mostly full of looneys not paying attention except for one or two Very determined individuals. At least WEAR is covering it and not leaving it to man crush twinkle eye PNJ.
and oh yeah budget time again. Deja Vu
I know there are problems and lots of work to be done. Thanks D1 for stepping up to the plate and getting to the bottom of issues as always, despite the drama.
As for me, I know we can count on you.
and I think I am starting to see the brilliance of another broken record..don't depend on government--
hey-- at least there are some jobs available in escambia county.
"Holy COW!"
Yeah get those cooked up pencil whipped response times.
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