Updated: Reviewing Kirkman Finlay's Plan For Columbia Firefighters

UPDATE: According to The State Newspaper Finlay wants both engines back in service by 2010. However as you can see in the "plan" below that's not what he put out. In The State:

Kirkman Finlay had to react quickly when he discovered Steve Benjamin was going to hold a press conference to discuss fire department cuts made by the same council Finlay serves on but he might have waited a day and refined his work. As it stands, after reviewing the document, it creates more questions than it answers.

Here are some thoughts about each of the points made above:

1. Extending the county fire contract is a good idea but it goes without saying. In addition, due to recent revelations regarding Richland County EMS it makes sense to strengthen cooperation with EMS.
2. The term "firemen" hasn't been used for some time and showcases the rushed nature of this document.
3. Also, firefighters already assist in "first aid" although it is within the sphere of first responder duties. The issue is providing a driver during a trauma call. Clearly Finlay doesn't understand the role of the department as it stands now.
4. Increasing the training regimen for firefighters is very broad and offers no clue as to what he means.
5. It's also interesting that he talks about the special operations equipment and training needed for it. The department hasn't held a burn in some time and basic firefighter skills must be addressed before classes for advanced topics can begin, even if new equipment has arrived.
6. Engines 9 and 8 can't remain closed for two to three years. If that's the plan then something is dreadfully wrong because first and foremost staffing and stations remaining open must take precedence over other issues. These dates fail to take into account possible monies generated in the interim. It would have been wise to say, "Return both engines to full staffing as money becomes available." these fixed dates appear to mean Finlay has set the date and that's just how it's going to be.
7. Restructuring the command staff has obvious implications. Change in the command structure isn't wrong but it isn't right unless there are valid reasons, and explanations, for undertaking such action. Will the same occur at Parks?
8. The next few items are hardly capable of being deciphered by the public. The Volunteer coordinator doesn't fall within Special Operations yet the two are mixed. Both deserve attention but each are worlds apart.
9.  Fifth training officer is an odd term. One supposes he meant add one additional training officer. However, why add there when engines aren't being staffed? This is something we will explore in the future as it has specific meaning for certain members of the department.
10. Finlay also notes on a separate page the need to improve fire inspections. He has been a proponent of adding more staff even in the face of aboslute evidence that engines out of service, and one injury or fatality associated with it, will cost the city more in the long run than beefing up inspections. There are many questions surround the desire to move the inspections process forward and some wonder why Mr. Finlay is such a big proponent. Perhaps he is a safety advocate or maybe, just maybe, there is another reason. We will explore that in the future as well.

Again, I salute Mr. Finlay for putting something on paper but it is an obvious attempt to counter Mr. Benjamin's well timed press conference. As such the document leaves many questions and will require Mr. Finlay to edit it to some degree in order for it to be applied should he hope to get elected. Were he willing to take advice he might revise his plan and redistribute it.

Comments

[uk-fb-buff]

My 2 cents.

Overall, in my opinion, his Political Competitor got a "Jump" on him regardig the Colubia FD. Mr.Filey may have realized he stepped in some of the "stuff" at the dog park when faced with the controversy he has caused with the staffing reductions, benefit take aways and station closures and subsequent "Pork" Spending.

In the beginning I think he thought he could "get away" with
these items and no would notice or the controversy would not get outside of the Columbia, SC., Area.

To me it's

His document reveal's he Has No Clue about what he's talking about other than to cover up his short comings in this area.

He doesn't list any specific time tables and their are reasons for concern.
Item 7. "Restructure the Command Staff". Translation;
Promotion by "O-Pick" with favoritism for those who politically support his "Machine". Regardless of NFPA Industry
Recommended Selection Standards.
The FF's and citizens

Item 8. "Politicalese" that makes no sense? Be careful here.
The "Three Card Monty Game"? What I said and what I mean are two different things.

Just look at the re-activation years for Engines 8 and 9. Two different documents two different years.

Yet here's a no brainer: Why not Mention Applying for Safer Monies?
Is it Politicians Pride or just being ill informed on this topic?

And don't forget, Mr. Finley has been in office all of these years and he now curries the FF's vote to remain in office.

Wasn't he "surprised" at the cost of purchasing two new Pumpers within the past year? Yet spent or will spend $250,000.00 on "Pork" instead of paying off the debt?

[Don Townley]

Obviously, you have and continue to do your research. Very well put. Now lets take this so called, "plan," and analyze it a bit further. There are a few key terms that we as firefighters may want to focus on. First, "money" who's got it and where is it coming from? We have seen the funds from the city bank accounts go to everything else but public safety. Now, all the sudden a politician that is looking for votes is gonna re-direct those "magical dollars" to public safety, because now the word is out. Yes sir ole Kirkman, your competition squeals on you and your friends misappropriations and now you are concerned. What's that, your grip is slipping off the coat tails of the firefighters and policemen and woman of the city. Well guess what, our backs are getting a bit tired of carrying you guys too!
Next term; "training!" The columbia fire and police dept. have some of the best trained professionals in the state. Just ask Richland County Sheriffs dept., Charlotte Fire dept., Sumter Fire, and other public safety organizations around the southeast. They are on the receiving end of our well trained professionals. Hell, here lately you can ask the local fast food joint. There people get full benefits for themselves and there family. Wow, wake up call? In comparison to all other organizations that are comparable in size and structure around this country, (i.e. st. petersburg fire) we are so underpaid it is pathetic. You say more training? With more training comes more compensation!!!! Austin fire, Specialty Skill Pay (cadets are not eligible)
Bilingual Translation (Spanish/English) $150/month
Hazardous Materials Team $150/month
Search and Rescue Team $150/month
Airport Fire and Rescue $150/month
Pheonix fire offers special incentive pay for there technical rescue and haz-mat teams as well. This is echoed across the country. Do you think the firefighter that is making $28,000 dollars a year, oh wait, most of that goes to benefits and other deductions, so how about the guy that brings home $770.00 every two weeks. Who's stomach just turned? Mine did, because its a fact that the last thing a person wants to do after digging ditches or cutting grass all day on "day off" wants to do is here about more work on his plate for nothing!! And I dare someone to say, "be lucky you have a job." What a bunch of idiots! We do this job cause we LOVED it!! Now, we have to fight just to keep it.
The point is, more training equals more money and our public safety professionals are not even at minimum standard right now! The bottom line is this so called "plan" and whoever supports good ole Kirkman and friends are living in a fantasy land of bullshit! So our question still remains, How do we fix stupid? Figure that out and you can die knowing you did the impossible! Here is a crazy idea, how about sit down with the men and women in uniform, one company at a time. Wow, actually talking to each other, now there is an answer. If not call me. You can get my number from the editor.

Once again the dog is off his leash!
Don Townley
firefighter

[uk-fb-buff]

Don

Thanks for the compliment.

What you've written is "Spot On". The Politicians don't have an understanding of what our work consists of. It's frustrating to sit here 3,000 miles away and see the Columbia FD be "blamed" for excessive spending when the information I've read online, shows, a city council spending money at every turn with little to show for it.

The Central Issue is, Where is; "The Plan" written down, under "Best, Intermediate and Worst Budget" options?

Put them under a Microscope.

Good Luck!