Council questions fire chief, decry negativity

Following the comments from firefighter supporters during the public hearing at Tuesday's city council meeting, the tension inside the council chambers continued to intensify.

When the council discussed items on the director of administration's report for August, Director Ward I Councilman Mike West and Ward 2 Councilman Lowe Cannell asked Fulton Fulton Fire Chief Dean Buffington to clarify some data in the department's August report.

After Buffington answered their questions, Cannell asked him if any fires in the past year could have been prevented or saved with better equipment and different personnel.

"They could've been managed more efficiently maybe with some more modern-type equipment that is available out there on the markets now," Buffington said. "Our current equipment now is in vast need of repair; it is a concern because of the age and the condition of our equipment."

Buffington verified that Ladder Truck 8, which was made in 1990, is currently out of service. He described the vehicle as "the big aerial with the 100-foot platform on it."

"It runs on a weekly basis," he said. "It probably runs at least 120, 140 calls a year as far as actually being utilized. You'd be back down closer to 20."

Buffington said the vehicle is designated to make certain runs since the the ladder can automatically attach to a college dorm, industrial buildings and any buildings in the Brick District.

He stated that he researched some bids, collected cost estimates and turned those in while comparing estimates from other vendors.

Ward 3 Councilman Richard Vaughn asked him if the city garage could make the necessary repairs on the 25-year-old truck.

"It's a precision repair," Buffington told the council. "It would have to be done precisely, probably by the manufacturer - in this case, it would be sent out of Akron, Ohio. It would have to go back there."

He added that some of the other vendors that would also have to order repair parts from the Akron manufacturer "don't want to touch it, and if they did, they'd charge considerably more to even attempt it."

The fire chief attributed the high repair costs to the equipment's old age. He added that he didn't consider looking at prices for a new truck because he knew it'd cost too much.

"I've even looked at some used ones ... and we're still looking at way above the cost of repairing that truck," Buffington said. "A decent used truck to replace something like that, just used, would probably be in the $750,000 range; brand new would be about million (dollars).

He said the original manufacturer would be the cheapest option to pursue for future repairs on the truck.

West asked the fire chief for a report detailing maintenance repairs for the past few years and he agreed to compile a list.

Before adjourning the meeting, Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton said he appreciated the firefighter supporters for attending and for their remarks, adding that the council will continue to listen. However, the mayor called the comments directed toward Buffington disrespectful.

"There's better ways to do that," Benton said. "Please keep your comments to the policies of the city and if you have personnel issues, there are appropriate ways to go through that."

Although Benton acknowledged that it's a frustrating time for the firefighters and Buffington, he urged that future comments refrain from "publicly attacking" their fire chief. Benton also said he does not condone the department's negative attitude.

"I've heard many times you all talk about attitude," Benton said. "But if you keep an attitude where you're just turning all the time and your negativity... I mean, I wouldn't want to work there, regardless of what the pay is. I've left jobs because of negativity."

Reshonda Mobley, girlfriend of firefighter Scott Peterson, had addressed several issues with the department, Buffington and previous comments from council members from the podium earlier during the public hearing. She told the mayor from the back of the room, "I didn't attack; they were true statements."

The mayor responded, "But still, you all were coordinating that, and I appreciate you being able to control pretty much what's been said up to this point, but maybe I'm expecting too much out of you."

West verbalized his support for the firefighters, and said he helped make sure they got better bunker gear. He also said that he understands the city needs better trucks and the firefighters want higher wages.

"But I don't like personal attacks, and that's what we heard tonight," he said raising his voice to express frustration. "I've been hearing it and seeing it in the paper, and I'm tired of it, okay?"

West advised the firefighters to "Keep it professional; don't get personal."

Firefighter supporters have created a Facebook event for another rally at the next city council meeting Oct. 13.