THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 12, 1996 TAG: 9605100204
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: ANOTHER VIEW
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
I am writing to address some of the inaccurate statements that appeared in the April 14 Currents on the editorial page.
The author of ``Keep it in line'' should not blame retired firefighters and police officers for the city's financial problems. We worked our entire careers for pay lower than other Hampton Roads cities. Once you put your badge on, you are a step above ``hard-working public employees.''
As a firefighter, you compromise your safety every time you enter a burning structure or perform a rescue at an accident scene. Firefighters are now exposed to all of the contagious diseases that our citizens contact: AIDS, TB etc. Fire stations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There are no holidays at the station house. Firefighters are prepared to respond to any fire or medical emergency incident when our citizens call. They are not paid overtime after 40 hours. Portsmouth does not have a minimum manning of four on the engines or ladders. Most engine companies run with three and sometimes the ladders will run with two. This type of manning takes its toll on our firefighters. Everyone must fill in and do more.
During the recent ice storm, while most of us were inside attempting to stay warm, firefighters were out in the cold in dangerous conditions responding to downed power lines, medic calls, trees through roofs, and fire calls so the citizens of Portsmouth would be safe. The Salvation Army fed them because they were too busy to cook.
The firefighters' occupation is one that has the highest injury, heart attacks and cancer rate as compared to other professions. I find it very disturbing in The Virginian-Pilot to suggest that we do not deserve a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). I earned my COLA by giving 21 years of my life to serve the citizens of Portsmouth while receiving a sub-par salary.
The 3-2-1 Retirement enabled many of us to retire before we had a heart attack or career-ending injury. This also saved the city over $1,000,000 in fire and police salaries. Nine positions were cut from the fire department, and saved $350,000 a year. Where is that $1.5 million? We do agree that the cost to give a COLA was increased due to the large number of retirements the past two years. The savings in lower salaries and worker compensation medical claims should help to offset the increase. The firefighters union, Local 539, did not ask for an additional 5-percent cost of living raise, as reported in the paper.
We have many concerns, not only pay. I believe that it is only logical to support the persons that support some of your causes - and they are willing to work with you to try to achieve your goals. This is part of our democratic process. We all influence each other everyday. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we disagree but we all maintain the right to do so. The person who influences the most voters will win the election, that is how politics works.
I also find it very strange that the same newspaper that praised our fallen brothers in Chesapeake last month now attacks our requests, not demands, for better pay and benefits. I believe the author of ``Keep it in line'' should report all the facts and be sure they are correct before you print them. You should never suppress the political process, it discredits your paper.
The firefighters of Portsmouth are dedicated to serve the citizens of Portsmouth. I ask for your support for them now and also when they are retired. Please do not turn your back on us after we are too old to serve you.
Lloyd Beazley
President
Portsmouth Fire Fighters
Local 539 by CNB