Union to fight for report's releasePlan to rally at council meeting The Post and Courier
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The nation's largest firefighters union pledged Monday to fight Charleston Mayor Joe Riley's decision to delay the release of an investigative report detailing how nine city firefighters died in last year's Sofa Super Store blaze. Local union leaders are rallying members and the public to descend on tonight's City Council meeting to demand city leaders immediately release the findings of a city-appointed consulting panel. The report, expected to include a detailed narrative of the department's response to the fire, had been expected this week. Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.But Riley announced late Friday that he won't allow the report to become public until two federal agencies also probing the blaze have released their findings. At least one of those federal reports could be three to four months from completion. International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger accused Riley of orchestrating a "cover-up" that endangers firefighters' lives. Schaitberger said the union plans to appeal to political leaders and the public to bring pressure on the mayor. The union also is mulling legal action, he said. Roger Yow, a former Fire Department captain and head of the local union that represents about half of the city's 250 firefighters, said the delay is a stalling tactic to stave off criticism of the department's handling of the fatal June 18 blaze. "There is just no excuse for what Mayor Riley has done. They don't want the truth to come out." Yow and Schaitberger planned to run an ad in today's newspaper calling on City Council and residents to demand that Riley release the report. Riley said he appreciates the concerns of the union leaders but that he thinks delaying the report is the best way to ensure its accuracy. He spoke with Schaitberger by telephone Monday and said the two respectfully disagreed. The city held up the report's release, despite assurances from panel leader Gordon Routley that the review is complete. Panel spokesman Pete Piringer said Monday that the city's decision does not reflect on the thoroughness of the panel's investigation. "We were very comfortable with where we were at. We had planned to present it to the city in its entirety this week." Billy Goldfeder, a deputy chief in Ohio and a columnist for Firehouse.com, said he is confident the panel's report will be fair, accurate and full of lessons for the fire service as a whole. Unfortunately, the city's decision to delay its release simply raises "more unneeded suspicion as to the genuine intent by the City as far as truly wanting the facts and an unbiased report." Yow said he expects a large turnout of firefighters and citizens to appeal directly to City Council tonight for the report's release. The Rev. Jimmy Gallant, chairman of City Council's public safety committee, said the delay puts the city in a "very suspicious position." He's heard from residents who suspect the mayor and council of tampering with the report. But council members remain in the dark about the probe, despite several requests to the mayor to have the panel update them, he said. City Councilman Wendell Gilliard said waiting on the federal investigations makes sense because it will ensure the families get correct answers and not painful hearsay. "I think it's best if we all put the families first, the ones who lost their loved ones, and do this thing right." The city wants to wait on reports from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is examining the factors that led to the firefighters' deaths, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which is using computer models to reconstruct the blaze. Routley told The Post and Courier on Friday that the panel already has incorporated those findings into its report. Riley said the report could be released this summer but he refused to commit to a timetable. "To run the risk of a report that may not be complete would be a mistake," Riley wrote in a memo to City Council explaining his decision. Fred Blosser, public affairs officer for NIOSH, said Monday that his agency's report is three to four months from completion. "It all depends on the complexity of the investigation. They always take several months. I don't think a year is unusual." Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724. Reach Glenn Smith at gsmith@postandcourier.com or 937-5556. |
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Comments
This article has 28 comment(s)
Posted by Harpo on May 6, 2008 at 3:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Strategy:
Delay the report and work in the background to have the
authors rewrite any damning passages. Attempt to bribe,
cajole, or threaten the authors by any means available to
achieve this end.
Opt for the longest possible delay to allow emotions
surrounding the death of the nine fire fighters to
diminish as much as possible.
Lie to the public regarding the delay; create a cover
story to tell the public that it's all about accuracy
in light of pending federal reports not yet released.
Defer any interviews or comments on the delay as much
as possible. Smile a lot for the cameras and find some
other subject to talk about ... maybe Spoleto.
Run for reelection once again. Rely on the same stupid
people for the standard percentage of votes as last time.
Posted by Burntower on May 6, 2008 at 3:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor please do us all a favor and never speak on the respect you have for my brothers and their family's, and may God have mercy on your soul you heartless bastard. You sold your soul to cover up all that is wrong so you can look better to the public and help your friends! You my friend are a JOKE!
Posted by lillycollette on May 6, 2008 at 3:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please count my name among those who want this report to be made public.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 6, 2008 at 4:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And they should demand that reports immediate release. Riley is stalling for time. Riley wants to twist the truth around to suit his own agenda. And that agenda is, in part, to protect his own self and Rusty Thomas.
The City of Charleston is responsible for the death of the Charleston Nine. The City of Charleston (tax payers) will eventually have to pay out tens of millions in jury awards because of Riley and Rust Thomas. That can NOT be avoided. So keep trying to lie and twist the facts, Riley. You eventually will fall flat on your face so hard the entire nation will look at you in disgust.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 6, 2008 at 4:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley is spitting in the face of everybody. Riley supporters are dumb as dumb can be.
Force him to give up that report. Sue him. File complaints against him. Audit City Hall and uncover the illegal activities and bring criminal charges. March in protest down Broad Street to City Hall with CNN recording it all. Riley has got to be taught a lesson that he is not King. We the People are the true Rulers!
King Riley must be taken down once and for all. The time is now.
Posted by dustym59 on May 6, 2008 at 5:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ya'll gonna be ok...just remember the emperor wears no clothes, buy him a new suit...unemployment.
Posted by Neponset on May 6, 2008 at 6:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is a full page open letter on page 8A of my hard copy of the paper.
Posted by theronce on May 6, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone else hear the sound of the good old boys circling the wagons.
Posted by Reader on May 6, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is such an insane cover story. According to the Mayor, if the City report is different than the federal reports, then the City report must be "incomplete." But if the City report is going to be withheld until it is the same as the federal report, then it was just a wasteful duplication of effort.
Release the report!
Posted by theronce on May 6, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Too often pols get away with these tactics. We can see the same tactics almost every week in the news at some level of government. Riley knows that these tactics work most of the time. The people have their minds on more pressing immediate needs and soon lose their interest and zeal. Baaa.
Posted by Early on May 6, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that some have it out for Riley so bad and think this report is going to damage him that this is the only reason they are anxious for the report. I think most of the safety issues have already been brought to the table. I don't see a problem for waiting for all reports and have a council member discussion with the results of all three reports and then,,, make it public knowledge. Does that mean you cannot discuss some of the findings with union members, no! Seems like a head hunt lately!
Posted by markasnyder on May 6, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
An open letter to Mayor Riley (rileyj@ci.charleston.sc.us):
Mr. Mayor,
I am writing to you to ask that you release the report of the Sofa Super Store Fire immediately. Does it contain something of which you, or perhaps an associate, are frightened? That is the impression you are giving us—those who believe the families of the fallen need every ounce of closure possible.
The longer you stall, the more their pain drags on.
By the way, I feel compelled to say that I feel it was an abomination to pay the negligent owner of that store for his land.
Posted by dr_fed on May 6, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bend over Charleston...It's time for Riley to screw you over again. Third rate piece of sh*t mayor! Remove him from office.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 6, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think there is some what of a head hunting mentality going on, but I think it's justified. If riley had done the right things in the first place (fire rusty, allow unbiased, fact finding investigations and then make swift improvements based on those investigations) the head hunting would not be going on to the extent that it is. Instead, he's played politics and personal favors with the lives of 9 men. I don't even live in the city and his behavior has me upset. It's unfortunate, but riley is in a position that can affect those that don't even live in the city, which is why I voice my opinion.
Posted by raregar67 on May 6, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
burntower...you said it all, I merely echo a hearty Amen.
Posted by markasnyder on May 6, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
C'mon...no witch hunt here. This is good 'ol boy mentality at it's apex.
Does anyone remember the morning following the fire when Riley declared that there was no evidence of arson? The site was still smoldering! How could anyone possibly make that assessment???
If he wasn't covering his buddy's ass, then he must be psychic. You tell me.
Furthermore, how does one justify PAYING for the land on which the store stood? A store far below code..."grandfathered" in... illegally constructed sections...non-functional fire breaks...where's the word negligent in all of this???
No. Sorry. None of it washes. Nine men died needlessly. All because Joe's pal didn't want to pay the cost of doing the right thing, and now they're all being called on it.
Frankly, I'm shocked that the outrage isn't greater.
Posted by mac0cm4 on May 6, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You forget, the dynasty of Riley isn't affected by the common people. They re-elected him. You're stuck. Take your next chance and get rid of him.
Posted by Harpo on May 6, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There's an element in these parts that's totally unaware
of the report or the controversy surrounding it. The
members of this element live in a world of drugs and
alcohol, in abject poverty, in a closed world with little
awareness of the events surrounding them. We all have
seen that element and know them for what they are.
The rest of the population, however, seem pretty much
united in demanding the release of the report. I've never
seen a mayor screw the pooch as badly as Joe Riley just
did. PETA needs to hear about this.
Release our report now, mayor; we paid for it, not you.
That was public Charleston money that paid for that
report.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 6, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"PETA needs to hear about this"
Harpo, that's classic!
LOL
Posted by CHRISJIII on May 6, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well you get what you vote for!!!!!
Posted by Early on May 6, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ColdBeer I totally agree with you 100%
But, I would push for the report to come in earlier, I think he is waiting for one more report that could take 3-4 months. The other two agencies report should coincide with the report the union is waiting for but if there is controversy in the three reports, they don't agree, then what? Which would do we believe? I am NOT a proponent of how Riley has handled this whole matter!
Posted by miki on May 6, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please contact your city council rep ASAP and let them know your view on the release of the report. Phone numbers and some email addresses can be found here: http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/cont...
Posted by JohnS on May 6, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The people spoke last year. Four more years for our Mayor. The problem can be solved by pointing out the trouble makers in the dept and fire them. Most of them don't even live here in the City.
Posted by JF on May 6, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please, all the criticism! What else would anyone expect? We elected Riley emporor and we knew his faults. We knew his claims that the CFD was the best in the country were absurd. We know he runds the city like a nepotistic fiefdom. We knew Riley never ever admits mistakes. This is another brilliant delay tactic by Riley! By releasing all the reports, it will dilute the effect of having several critical reports released over a period of time. Its kind of like getting one big spanking instead of one a day for a week. I think the mayor will be able to pull this off, and get back to telling us how wonderful the city is and how we will be a shining example to the rest of the country of how things should be done. We got what we voted for, its kind of late in the game to complain now.
Posted by candygirl on May 6, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JF, I agree with you,
You people voted to give him 4 more years ,so no need to complain.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 6, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think there needs to be a protect march this weekend by firefights on City Hall. Get a permit .. organize .. do a press release and get national media coverage.
Riley had his chance. Time to do what has to be done to force that reports release. Riley's lawyers are presently re-working the wording.
Hurry up. Time is of the essence!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 6, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley has clearly shown that he can never be trusted in the least bit.
Damm psychopaths!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 6, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
miki,
I think it easy to say that their will now be two reports issued by the City (Riley) ... The re-written one for the public .. and then the real truthful one that gets destroyed and/or lost.