Riley blames store ownerMayor says illegal additions led to firefighters' deaths The Post and Courier
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley blames Sofa Super Store owner Herb Goldstein for the deaths of nine firefighters and insists that the city and its Fire Department did everything possible to prevent the tragedy on June 18. Riley said in an interview Friday that illegally built additions compromised the massive building's fire protection and allowed a small outdoor trash fire to quickly race inside a showroom stuffed with flammable furniture. 
Mic Smith In a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley speaks about the retirement of Fire Chief Rusty Thomas. Asked if he holds Goldstein responsible for the deaths of the firefighters, Riley said, "I do, and I told him that. I told him with our lawyers that 'I just want you to know that we believe that the additions to your building that weren't permitted is the reason that this fire went from a trash fire to this tragic fire,' " he said. "It's his responsibility to get a permit for additions. He is at fault." Goldstein could not be reached for comment. His attorney, Richard Rosen, said the city's fire and code inspectors had ample opportunities over the years to identify possible hazards or violations in the store, which Goldstein would have readily addressed. "To blame Herb Goldstein for something nobody saw for over 10 years is not reality. I think it's silly to say that the code violations killed firefighters. I don't think I need to address Joe Riley's motivations. He's a politician." 
Mic Smith Herb Goldstein A 272-page report, released Thursday, from a city-hired panel of experts painted the sprawling furniture store as a deathtrap, with a maze-like layout, improperly stored solvents, padlocked doors and inadequate exits. The report also lays blame on the Fire Department for employing aggressive tactics that exposed firefighters to unnecessary and avoidable risks. Riley said he is unwilling to make a scapegoat out of Fire Chief Rusty Thomas and other commanders, though the report cited command failures as a predominant factor in the department's unstructured and uncoordinated response to the blaze. On the eve of the report's release, Thomas announced his plan to retire June 27 from the department he has led since 1992. Riley said he still considers Thomas a "great fire chief," a dedicated, hardworking servant who performed his job to the best of his abilities. "I will not say the chief let us down," he said. "He worked hard and did the best he could." Timing for retirement Riley initially insisted that Thomas' abrupt retirement announcement Wednesday was unrelated to the planned release of the fire report the next day. On Friday Riley changed his account, saying that anticipated criticism in the report played a part in the timing of the announcement. When Thomas expressed his desire to retire, Riley said he suggested that Thomas announce his plans before the report's release. That way, Thomas would get credit for deciding to retire rather than have people think he was stepping down in response to the report's findings or critics' calls for his ouster, he said. Rather than focus on mistakes Thomas made during the fire, Riley has emphasized the rapid spread of the fire, the unsafe nature of the building and a mix of other factors that made the blaze into what he has repeatedly described as a "perfect storm" fire. Gordon Routley, head of the fire report panel, disagreed with that characterization during the same interview Friday with The Post and Courier. Routley said all of the factors and circumstances at the fire occur regularly at fire scenes across America. "There is a fire like this somewhere in the U.S. every week." Routley said fire chiefs have a duty to stay abreast of ever-evolving advances in the profession and to learn from mistakes made by other fire departments who have lost firefighters in the line of duty. There is a wealth of knowledge available to fire chiefs through reports, textbooks, conferences, seminars and other avenues, but it is up to chiefs to take advantage of it, he said. "Unfortunately, Chief Thomas was out of touch with the mainstream of what was going on in the fire service for the last 30 years or so," he said. "It was hard for me to understand how he was unaware of a lot of this or discounted this." Through a spokesman, Thomas declined to comment Friday. But he told the newspaper after the sofa store blaze that Charleston had its own time-tested ways of fighting fires that suited the city better than anything that could come out of a book. "I just don't think you get a lot out of reading out of a book," he said. "You can't read out of a book how to put a fire out. You have to go out there and do it, and that's what we do." The Fire Department long boasted of its Class 1 ranking from the Insurance Services Office, which is used to calculate business and home fire insurance premiums. This gave the community a false sense of security, Routley said. In reality, he said, the ISO rating is an "antiquated system for looking at fire departments," based mainly on accessibility to water. He said the rating system's usefulness as a measure of a fire department's expertise and capabilities went out of style with disco. Meanwhile, the Fire Department remained frozen in time, using tactics, equipment and training that were commonplace in the 1970s, when Thomas joined the department, Routley said. The Fire Department clung to tradition, priding itself on an aggressive, hard-charging style of attacking fires as departments elsewhere shifted toward a culture of safety. Charleston's tactics worked in many situations, but they ultimately failed with tragic consequences at the sofa store fire, Routley said. Problems abound The panel witnessed problems in Charleston firsthand the very first day when members began their work, in August. They had expected a more advanced fire department in a city of Charleston's size. Yet they watched as city firefighters swarmed head-long into a house to fight fire with undersized hoses, no clear strategy and no formal command structure in place, Routley said. Panel members had planned to spend weeks studying the department's practices. "We said 'There is stuff going on here that we need to do something about right now.' " Routley said the Fire Department is still improving and making headway on some 200 needed changes recommended by the panel. But it will likely take at least three years to fully phase out its antiquated ways, he said. Eleven months after the sofa store fire, Routley still has concerns about how the Fire Department would approach a blaze of that magnitude it if occurred today. "It takes commitment at the top," he said. "I really think the department needs someone with vision of what the fire service needs to be today." Thomas' replacement will almost certainly come from outside the Fire Department, Riley said. The city is conducting a nationwide search for a new fire chief. Routley said the Charleston Fire Department is full of excellent firefighters, but he said he doesn't think anyone there is ready to assume the reins as chief. The new chief likely will be joined by other outsiders, as several senior commanders are expected to follow Thomas into retirement in the coming months, he said. Thomas' brother, Battalion Chief Tommy Thomas, submitted his retirement papers Friday and plans to leave by month's end, said Mark Ruppel, the department's public information officer. Riley said that as the city's chief executive, he accepts responsibility for the state of the Fire Department. But he still thinks there is plenty to be proud of, including a "remarkable record of protecting lives." Thomas deserves much credit for that, he said. He also said the Fire Department never was denied a funding request during his more than three decades as mayor. Doug Pardue contributed to this report. Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com. Reach Ron Menchaca at 937-5724 or rmenchaca@postandcom. |
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Comments
This article has 79 comment(s)
Posted by a_set_love on May 17, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Riley, I hope you remember that a simple majority vote by city council can call for a special election ballot question on changing Charlestons form of government.
Its "State Law" Mr. Riley, you remember don't you.
What better timing than Novembers General Election, whilst everyone votes for a new president.
A change from strong mayor weak council, to strong council with a city manager or weak mayor.
Its coming Mr Riley, do you hear it in the wind, its the cries of the Charleston 9 demanding justice.
What better justice, after what you have done to them and Charleston, than to be made an empty figurehead.
The "Perfect Storm" approaches fast, Mr Riley and change is in its wind.
Posted by JonWithnal on May 17, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I must say that I am flabergasted at this mayor ... talk about someone who is out of touch needs to retire...Riley and Rusty can share a room at Ignorant Acres Retirement Community...
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 17, 2008 at 1:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That more than one official report can slap riley in the face in black and white and he STILL remains blind, is beyond me.
Posted by aquaticorange on May 17, 2008 at 3:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sorry Joe, but I also thought it was the city's responsibility to train it's fire officials correctly; it was building and code enforcement's job to make sure no building was randomly occurring (and I guarantee you a large building is noticeable, especially when you're conducting inspections as you should... did the fire department not notice it during pre-plans? someone in your city could have caught it); I thought it was rusty's responsibility to correctly vent a structure and use thermal imagers... and the list goes on.
Please REREAD your copy of the report, shut up for a couple of days and then respectfully submit your resignation, lest we be forced to vote you OUT this coming november.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on May 17, 2008 at 3:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Charleston Mayor Joe Riley blames Sofa Super Store owner Herb Goldstein for the deaths of nine firefighters and insists that the city and its Fire Department did everything possible to prevent the tragedy on June 18."
Historically, I have kept quiet during the Riley discussions, as I do not live in the City of Charleston. Sorry, your honor, but I believe you to be remarkably off base with this one. The hierarchy of your fire department...those that have answered to you...bear the large majority of blame, and your denying that is appaling. Perhaps it is time for you to go as well.
Posted by CedarPosts on May 17, 2008 at 5:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor Riley like celebrities Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise and our President, has lost touch with reality.
The delays, the lies, the stonewalling and all the dramatics reflect poorly on Charleston and the CFD. His continued flip flopping on the facts of the June 18 fire is rather discomforting and truly embarrassing.
But calling the mayor “out” will accomplish nothing. Rather I think we should bestow a new title for his honor, that of ….
Mayor Emeritus
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on May 17, 2008 at 5:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Through a spokesman, Thomas declined to comment Friday. But he told the newspaper after the sofa store blaze that Charleston had its own time-tested ways of fighting fires that suited the city better than anything that could come out of a book.>>>
Jesus Christ Almighty! What is he thinking?! Its like it is Tuesday the 19th all over!
The Fire Department long boasted of its Class 1 ranking from the Insurance Services Office, which is used to calculate business and home fire insurance premiums. This gave the community a false sense of security, Routley said.
In reality, he said, the ISO rating is an "antiquated system for looking at fire departments," based mainly on accessibility to water. He said the rating system's usefulness as a measure of a fire department's expertise and capabilities went out of style with disco.>>>
Well said Mr. Routley!
Posted by Mayor on May 17, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bringing their 1/2 capacity hoses must be Goldstein's fault also. He should have called and told them that this was a real fire, not a 20 ft. wide house downtown.
Posted by jifdeng3 on May 17, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT THE F? Where was the City building inspector at Riley? Maybe if you had a staff that was DOING ITS JOB then he would have been shut down when the illeagal additions were found!! How about that you midget piece of lowlife crap!!! I am so sick of this guy tryiing to dodge the blame and place every bit of it elseware! Sure ole' Herb bears some responsibility, but the City WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING SURE STRUCTURES IN ITS ARE WERE UP TO CODE!!!!!! Fin buddy buddy South Carolina!!!
Posted by justafan on May 17, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know everybody involved would like it to be the other guys fault but that just isn’t reality. The firefighters that died in the fire were heroic and I think those of us who survived should be heroic in their absence.
Instead of pointing fingers at everybody else lets all step up to the plate and accept a little blame. We all had opportunities to do something about but didn’t.
We could have voted the Mayor out… but we didn’t, he could have done a better job overseeing the fire department and inspections…but he didn’t, the fire chief could have done better…but he didn’t, the owner of the store could have done things to code…but he didn’t, code enforcement could have done their job…but they didn’t, even the firefighters have to accept some of the blame.
The honorable thing to do in a situation like this is to take responsibility for your part and move on.
The lawyers of the world make huge money assigning blame. In reality this was a huge fire and with it comes a huge opportunity for lawyers to make money off the suffering of others and add to the suffering of others. The money these families get will not bring their loved ones back it will only make some lawyers account bigger.
Let the lawyers crawl back under the rock they came from, you be the better person and let the heroes rest in peace.
Posted by NativeSC on May 17, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So by Mr Rosen's "lawyer logic", if someone robs a bank, but doesn't get caught, then the bank robber didn't commit a crime. A lawyer not wanting to accept responsibility for something? Wow, what a shock. But he will still bill $700.00/hour for not accepting responsibility. While we are at it, let's place all the blame for global warming, the middle east, Darfur, earthquakes in China, ..... on Riley. Wishing, wanting, and begging won't make it so, he will still be here when the next election rolls around. Unless someone worth a damn wants to step up. Anyone want to throw a name out?
Posted by whalernut on May 17, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Routley is a genius.
I had no idea that the ISO was a ranking on fire hydrants. And I bet no one else here did either.
I thought it was a ranking on the professionalism and candor of a department. Guess we would not have one of those huh?
All the water in the world to fight fire and hooked up to with an inadequate garden hose.
What kind of disaster is next? Are the citizens of Charleston safe? Are the rest of the departments in this area of the low country 20 years behind? I imagine that Summerville, Ashley River, North Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester are all models of the Charleston’s fire department.
Another way to look at this is in the sales and procurement of the Fire Department's equipment. Does the city rely on any professional consultants? What is the real story here?
Mayor Riley what are the city's guides to procuring the departments equipment? Was it an open checkbook? Was it all on the Chief? I have read that the TV's are being finally turned off. How many flat screens has the department procured this year compared to two years ago?
There are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Now somebody around here with some guts needs to ask them. The mayor does not deserve to retire he needs to answer to the questions first.
Wake up people this does not stop here it is the police department, parks and recreation, maintenance, IT departments, planning, the list goes on.
The city has taken away so many benefits from its employees that they are all quitting too.
Someone please do something!!
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 17, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley will blame ANYONE just to save his own a--.
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on May 17, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Whalernut said - I had no idea that the ISO was a ranking on fire hydrants. And I bet no one else here did either.
I thought it was a ranking on the professionalism and candor of a department.>>
This is what ISO is based upon. This is for information to the posting public.
-----
What factors are the PPC ratings based on?
ISO’s PPC system has been in use since the early 1900’s, and has been continuously modified and refined over that time. The Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) looks at a great deal of specific information about the fire department, the water supply, and the types of property in the community, and uses a fairly complex process to evaluate that information. In general though, here are the factors the PPC system looks at.
Water supply is the most important single factor, and accounts for 40% of the total rating. The FSRS compares the water supply available at representative areas of the community with the amount needed to fight a fire in the types of buildings there are at that location. In addition, there are some specific minimum requirements for specific classes; to be Class 8 or higher, for example, the city must have the water supply and equipment to deliver at least 250 gallons per minute for at least two hours.
Fire equipment accounts for 26% of the rating. Again, there are both some specific minimum equipment requirements, and additional equipment standards based on the numbers and types of structures in the community. Regular testing of the equipment is also a factor. (Incidentally, the ISO rating system does not have a maximum age for fire trucks, but instead focuses on the equipment’s capabilities. If the 1949 pumper is tested regularly and meets performance requirements, it’s as good as a brand new truck as far as ISO is concerned.)
Personnel accounts for 24% of the rating. 15% of that is based on the numbers of firefighters available for the initial response and how quickly the firefighters can respond. The other 9% reflects the initial and ongoing training the firefighters receive.
The alarm and paging system accounts for the remaining 10% of the rating.
Go to http://www.isomitigation.com/fire1.html for more information.
Accreditation is the way to go. It takes everything into account.
Posted by Reader on May 17, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! I thought I had the lowest possible opinion of Riley until I read this. There is no bottom I guess.
For Riley to point a finger at anyone else is shocking.
For Riley to have so blatantly lied about the motivation for Thomas's quitting early in the week and then completely flip-flopped and said that it was actually the main motivation is shocking.
I just cannot believe how awful Riley is.
Posted by moonpie on May 17, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Plenty of blame to go around and Joe has his share too as the head of the city of Charleston.
I say 30% SSS, 30% CITY, 40% Chief and lack of policy and procedure on that horrific night.
Posted by feb251939 on May 17, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't read the whole report so I have a question. Did the report say that the owner of the building was wholly responsible for the fire and the deaths of the firefighters?
If not, then the "Little King of Charleston" has cast aside the report and made a direct accusation at the owner to avoid any responsibility on part of "His Kingdom".
Posted by carolinabeachgirl on May 17, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't get me wrong I beleive the city is at fault in this tragedy but if Herb Goldstein's stance is that the city didn't catch me doing anything wrong so it's not my fault, he's just as much to blame as the city. Goldstein has done enough in this town to know he needed permits yet he made these additionas not once, not twice but multiple times.
Posted by JohnS on May 17, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Sofa Super Store had a city business Lic. The city should have inspected the property since it was deemed to be a fire hazzard. Firemen by nature want to help and feel they will never be hurt. They were in a little too long that day.
Posted by jmw29410 on May 17, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Riley Regime has spent fortunes turning the City into a Yuppie Tourista Paradise. We have lotsa Pretty-Pretty to look at, we have an unconstitutional and unpopular smoking ban, but little was done to bolster our fire departments.
Time for a change, folks! And there are a lot of very capable replacements just waiting.... just go down by the Homeless Shelter on Meeting Street and pick a wino...any wino.....
Posted by a_set_love on May 17, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to Walleyworld!
Because of Mr. Riley, the ring master...........
All the world now knows the joke he has made this place.
Posted by Hubert on May 17, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley blames store owner? Is it election time already? I guess if somebody is killed on the highway, Riley would blame the SCDOT.
Posted by PalmettoHawk on May 17, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just know that only Gov. Mark Sanford can remove any mayor for cause. I believe that Joe Riley should be removed due to the negligence he has so callously denied, to the citizens of Charleston and to the survivors of the tragedy of 6/18/07.
I urge everyone contact the Governor's Office demanding a review of his performance and his ouster.
http://www.scgovernor.com/contact/email/...
OR - Tel. (803) 734-2100
OR - State House, 1st Floor
P.O. Box 12267, Columbia 29211
There is no perfect City rule whether it be strong Mayor/weak City Council or weak Mayor/strong City Council or City Manager.
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."
John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton
"All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing."
Edmund Burke
Joe it is time to gracefully retire yourself.
Posted by gococks1985 on May 17, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley- you are a true coward. Turn your back on Rusty and then blame Mr. Goldstein for your incompetence and failure to ensure the fire department had the necessary equipment and training to fight this fire. What happened was tragic to say the least.
I hope that man sues the piss out of you for saying it's his fault they died. The blame rests squarely on your shoulders and I think they need to boot your behind out of office.
Posted by oldglory on May 17, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shame on you, Mayor, you are a child in complete denial. Even with your version of who's to blame, the ultimate responsibility falls at your and your staff's feet--broken hydrant, no citations on a structure that had obvious additions, etc. That's why citizens vote for government, you know--to take care of these things for them.
I've read your words regarding Rusty Thomas, your loyalty and protection of him, very admirable words as a friend. Actually, a true friend, who just happens to be the mayor, would have directed Mr. Thomas to keep his fire department current. Then, the mayor would not have had to spend time defending his chief's (who just happens to be a friend) actions or lack thereof.
Do the right thing, Mayor. I think deep inside you lies the ability for doing the right thing. Take it out, dust it off, engage it and...do the right thing.
P.S. Every time you open your mouth publicly, it seems you put both feet in it. Perhaps you could change this if you said/did the right thing just once in this situation, then you wouldn't have to speak as frequently?
Posted by willbillbedamned on May 17, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would be interesting to know how much in campaign contributions Riley received from the SSS owner while the code violations were being ignored.
Posted by oldglory on May 17, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, forgot! I've also been wondering what your friends are made of, Mayor. Have they modeled themselves on that fairy tale, "The Emperor's New Clothes."
Throughout this entire event and its aftermath, in the back of my mind, I've almost felt sorry for you--the fact that apparently none of your friends has told you the truth regarding your public statements. Were I you, I'd wipe the slate clean of any such so-called friends.
Posted by WardLaFrance on May 17, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm so dizzy from the spin that I can hardly type.
Posted by oldglory on May 17, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We surely wouldn't want to bore you further, archdude :)
Bet you really have some intelligent input?
Posted by charlestonian on May 17, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We all know Riley is untouchable so complaining to the Governor wouldn't do much. How many people real living people voted for him vs fake/dead people? I really don't think the mayoral vote in Charleston means much, if Joe wants to win he will make that happen, most likely thru illegal means. If Joe wants to tear down the Market and build a 3 story statue of himself there would be no stopping that to..
Posted by forget on May 17, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it's time for me to run for Mayor of Chas.
After this, I don't think I'll need that much money in campaign contributions, so the $750 I'll budget for a few signs should do it. I have integrity, common sense, and the old standard family values. I know I could probably get Coldbeer and Girlygirl to campaign for me. I've never partied with Thomas Ravenel, and I don't owe anyone any favors. I'm probably a sure thing to win this.
Posted by Paoa on May 17, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Mayor you mention Chief Rusty Thomas' ability. Well his ability to do his job was inadequate! The Routley Report proved that fact once and for all and now you go after Mr. Bernstein. Who was in charge of operations at the SSS fire on 06/18 ? One RUSTY THOMAS !!
Posted by REDLEG on May 17, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
EVERY DAY I READ THE POST AND COURIER, LISTEN AND WATCH THE NEWS AND I HAVE A CHOICE TO DO THIS...I ALSO HAVE A CHOICE TO WRITE THIS COMMENT...MAYOR RILEY IT LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE MAKING A PERSONAL STATEMENT AGAINST THE STORE WHERE THE ACCIDENT AND TRAGERY HAPPENED...STEP OUT OF THE BOX AND LOOK ASIDE TO NOT JUST THE STORE OWNER BUT THE FACT THAT YOUR FIRE DEPT SHOPPED AT THE STORE, LOADED AT THE DOCK..WERE EMPLOYED AT THE STORE PART TIME..THE CITY OF CHARLESTON HAD FURNITURE IN THEIR OFFICES AND FAMILY HOMES..THE STORE WAS NOT OUT TO MAKE WRONG TO THE CITY...IT WAS A FIRE OUTSIDE THE STORE..COMMON SENSE AND TRAINING AND TIMING..THERE ARE SEVERAL MISSED QUOTES AND KNOW FACTS THAT EVENING LEADING TO THE TRAGERY OF LOST OF LOVED ONES..THIS WAS NOT A HIDDEN STORE AND BUILDING..IT WAS VIEWED WALKED AND SHOPPED BY CHARLESTON'S FINEST AND WAS INSPECTED AND WRITTEN OFF AS AN INSPECTION THAT WAS OVER LOOKED..THE FAMILIES SUEING TO MAKE LAWYERS RICHER AND SMEARING THE STORE'S NAME AND ISN'T IT ENOUGH..PLEASE STOP THE WAR OF WORDS..DID ANYONE TAKE UP COLLECTIONS TO HELP THE EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES PAY THEIR BILLS AND CARE ABOUT THE STRESS AND LOST THEY EXPERIENCED?..SO SAD WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ALL...JUST GO ON AND GET THE HELP WE ALL NEED..TAKE THE TIME AND MONEY AND TRAIN..TRAIN AND TRAIN, AND BUY NEW EQUIPMENT AND BUILD ON THE STRENGHT THAT IS THERE..REBUILD OUR PRIDE BACK FOR ALL...STOP THE WAR OF WORDS...
Posted by Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better on May 17, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you truly DO accept responsibility for the state of the fire department within your administration, Joe Riley, then do the right thing and STEP DOWN. This wasn’t a minor mishap, this was a major catastrophe. For many years both you and Rusty Thomas neglected the needs of the fire department. Now, as a direct result, nine good men are dead. And now you think it’s a good idea that you remain the person responsible for hiring the next fire chief and overseeing his tenure?
I hope you don’t really think we’re that stupid, Joe Riley.
Posted by JF on May 17, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Mayor certainly shows disdain for honesty and lack of regard for the citizens of Charleston.
Wed.The Mayor insisted that the relaese of the report played no role in the chiefs retirement.
Friday he admits later to suggesting the chief retire before the release of the report to avoid further calls for his resignation.
This tragedy has brought out the Mayor's true character or lack therof. Real leaders shoot straight even when its difficult. That is the difference between being a leader and being a politician.
Posted by bootlicked on May 17, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The City of Charleston has to really be looked over with a fine tooth comb. What else is Riley lying about? He was friends with the Malonies and the Thomases. The Thomases pretty much robbed the city also. HOW much money has been spent on the Thomases to run the CFD into the ground and put the cities bravest and its citizens in danger all of these years? I have heard that even the brand new truck at number seven was laughed at and called a piece of junk by some of the R'panel.Who spected that one out? Daddy Russel?
Posted by dr_fed on May 17, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's time to hit Riley with a barrage of criminal negligence lawsuits in relation to his role in the SSS fire. This will force him out. As far as his involvement with the Malonies. He covered his butt like most slick scamming politicians do. When Riley is removed from office the pandora's box of his shady dealings will emerge. This man is a political cancer on the city of Charleston.
Posted by charlestonnative1963 on May 17, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i AM SO TIRED OF THIS. i AM SURE THE FIREFIGHTERS WOULD ROLL OVER IN THEIR GRADES IF THEY KNEW HOW PEOPLE PLACED BLAME. THE FIRE HAPPENED, IT WAS AWFUL, PEOPLE DIED, WE NEED TO MAKE CORRECTIONS TO THE SYSEM AND MOVE ON AND STOP USING THIS AS AN OBVIOUS POLITICAL MOVE ON THE PART OF CITY COUNCIL, AND MONEY HUNGRY SURVIVORS
Posted by charlestonnative1963 on May 17, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JMW: WHo says the smoking ban is unpopular...do you travel much...you will not find a city the size of Charleston (other than Las Vegas) that still allows indoor smoking...
Posted by kerwandstarks on May 17, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jifdeng3: Tell us again where you where on the night on June 18?
Posted by onevoice on May 17, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Teflon" Joe should follow in the former Fire Chiefs footsteps and resign. Instead he wants to point fingers! Just another case of littleman syndrome.
Posted by WardLaFrance on May 17, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The reason most posts are repeated is that many just don't understand the scope of the problem. Yes- the owner of SSS and his designated employess screwed up by trying to cut corners. But Routley nails it when he says that firefighters face these types of fires all over the US every day. Re-read what Routley says- he's more succinct than I could be. He's certainly not in Joe's pocket and I bet Joe was shocked when he read what he'd paid for... and thought he bought. And then, here's Rusty, thinking that Joe is behind him 100%- and he reads this report and says, "Gee Joe, maybe I should retire-" fully expecting Joe to say no, hang in there and it will blow over. Imagine HIS shock when Joe says, "Yeah,write the letter and put it on my desk and I'll tell the world it wasn't your fault." Through great maneuvering, Joe thinks he has it made. After all, why would he let it slip that Rusty DID leave because of the report. It was in his own best political interest, that's why. He knows that he won't have to hang Rusty. Rusty's done it to himself and Joe comes out with a little less mud.
Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on May 17, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SO SORRY FOR JOE RILEY CUZ THINGS ARE NOT OVER YET.
and he knows it.
Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on May 17, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I WANT TO SEE CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST THE OWNER FOR THE DEATHS OF OUR FALLEN NINE BROTHERS.....
HE HAD EXIT DOORS CHAINED...THAT WAS HIS FAULT...HE DID IT. HE BROKE THE LAW....NOT ANYONE ELSE.
HE DID NOT HAVE SPRINKLERS IN THE BUILDING...THAT WAS HIS FAULT...HE BROKE THE LAW...HE DID IT...NOT ANYONE ELSE.
THREE OF OUR NINE BROTHERS DIED AT THOSE CHAINED EXIT DOORS....TRYING TO GET OUT!!! THAT WAS HIS FAULT!!! IF HE DID NOT HAVE THOSE DOORS CHAINED SHUT....THEY WOULD HAVE WALKED RIGHT OUT!!!
HOW DOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN HE PUT THE CHAINS ON????
HOW DOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN THE CHEMICALS WERE PUT IN THERE?
WOULD OUR AN INSPECTOR HAVE FOUND IT???? WHEN DID HE DO IT??? ALL WE KNOW IS THAT ON JUNE 18TH 2007....HE DID!
THE POINT IS....THE OWNER HAD A GREEDY HAND IN THEIR DEATHS...MONEY MONEY MONEY.....AND HE IS THE ONLY ONE!
I HOPE WE SEE CHARGES AGAINST HIM AND OTHERS TOO!!!
****AND THE ONE WHO WAS SMOKING THE CIG....
Posted by vesta on May 17, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ward: I honestly don't think Riley "read" the report and he didn't pay for it....we did. I am sure he has political advice from one of his lawyers who did read the report.
The CFD never had a standard IC system in place where the IC could see the "whole picture", which was but one of the reasons for this tragedy. The Routley panel's whole picture shows deficiencies everywhere. Permits were issued for the west wing, the east wing and the warehouse. Four smaller structures, including the loading dock, 2 workshops and a small courtyard were not constructed with permits. The last pre-plan by the fire department was done in June, 2006, a year prior to the fire. It does not mention the truss roof construction, and I wonder if it noted that now all of these buildings were "connected" which would have required a sprinkling system in place and should have been noted by the fire department. Also, the last fire inspection was done in 1998. Were any of these non-permitted "add ons" constructed between 1996 and 1998? I am not defending the owner, but I feel a lot of this information is inter-connected.
In addition, I have read several sources (including June 27, 2007 P&C) that state that Garvin stated the door he opened could NOT be closed after he opened it, yet the report says he said it was closed after he opened it. Which is it?
Posted by WardLaFrance on May 17, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BC9MS: You need to read the Routley report. Those men should NOT have been inside to begin with. Do you realize that the commanding officer didn't even realize those men were in trouble? Did you see where NO SIZE UP had been done? Did you see that there was NO COMMUNICATION? Did you realize there was no RIT in place? Did you see that ICS was not applied and so no one knew where ANYONE was? Everyone agrees that Goldstein has some responsibility- for the scope of the fire among other things. But if proper procedure had been followed by THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, those lives would not have been at risk. The people who are telling you this- especially the ones who wrote the Routley report are professional fire personnel. Don't you think the great number of FF who love and support the brotherhood would be after SSS/Goldstein in a lather if he bore the sole responsibility? Why do you think Routley was so hard on CFD? For a kick? Pay attention to the professional people who know what they are talking about. They can't make it any clearer. If you can't understand what CFD fire personnel and FD personnel who are writing from all over the country are telling you, it's time for you to turn to the funny pages instead of the serious stuff.
Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on May 17, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I TOTALLY DO REALIZE ALL THAT...I DO...I REALLY DO...
i just don't want that jerk to get away with his wrongs....
Posted by WardLaFrance on May 17, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vesta: The fact of the matter is that its all over but the lawsuits. The task ahead is to bring CFD into this century with good leadership, education, equipment and direction. Whether Riley stays or goes doesn't mean a thing to me, except that this report was timed to come out after the election. What I want to see is the department TODAY schooling the FF, having mutual aid on EVERY Call so that the current staff can see how ICS operates. I'd like to see BCs west ashley riding along with St. Andrews, and the same on the islands. I'd like to see the old guard who have no interest in changing moved aside for up and comers who want to drill and attend classes. I'd like to see EVERY FF become at least First Responder certified, if not Basic EMT. Well, you know what my wants will get me. This department needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. It's a cryin' shame.
Posted by vesta on May 17, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ward: Yes, it is sad. The only consolation is that the CFD CAN, with proper leadership, funding, education and direction, be changed around to a fire department that any ff would be proud to be a part of in a shorter time that the 30 years it has been permitted to be held back from progress. I am not on a witch hunt, but I am not so sure Joe Riley can provide that direction and this fire department needs to move forward YESTERDAY.
Posted by Doormat on May 17, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We are all First Responder certified.
Posted by toddb on May 17, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps it's time for the Honorable Mayor Riley to "retire" as well. I doubt that Joe Riley even knew where the Sofa Super Store was located before this tragic event.
I don't absolve the Sofa Super Store of liability since they obviously broke the law by building all of these additions to their store without permits - that is most definitely unlawful; however, the fact that the City of Charleston did not have mechanisms in place to catch such huge infractions is also inexcusable.
The fact remains that West Ashley has NEVER been given the attention it deserves in so very many respects by the City of Charleston government. Urban sprawl and blight have been allowed to run rampant throughout suburban West Ashley while attentions have been focused largely on Mayor Riley's beloved downtown improvements.
The only significant improvements to infrastructure in West Ashley revolve around the areas of the Ashley River Bridge District - Byrnes Downs, Windermere and the like. Areas such as Sam Rittenberg Boulevard near the North Bridge, Savannah Highway, and now the Glenn McConnell Parkway/Hwy. 61 areas are virtually ignored.
The city's involvement in these areas of West Ashley consist of a token "park" at the end of Mary Ader Avenue, some landscaping in a few of the medians on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, and a bike path along Highway 61. Other than that, the City's interest in bettering West Ashley has been minimal at best.
Perhaps had the City been more proactive in monitoring the additions to this building such a serious tragedy could have been avoided. It was quite obvious to passersby when this store was being enlarged in the 1990's. Why didn't this catch the attention of City officials?
We definitely need some changes in Charleston City government. I believe that the first step is to elect a new mayor who is more representative of ALL areas of Charleston - not just downtown, and the second step is to examine our current "strong mayor, weak council" form of government. Charleston is not a dictatorship. We need to step into this millennium and examine ALL levels of city government and initiate some positive, significant changes to better representation for ALL citizens and ALL areas of the city.
Posted by magoo on May 17, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why wasnt the sss building being inspected to make sure it was up to code, I thought it was a state requirement that commercial buildings were suppoose to be inspected at least 1x ayear for fire and other safety issues.
Posted by bvfd271 on May 17, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I cannot believe the audacity of Joe to place all the blame of the SSS Fire on Mr.Goldstein.While Mr.Goldstein to a certain point was at fault,the majority of the blame goes to the CFD and City Administration.Joe is just being a typical politician by dodging responsibility,passing the buck and blaming others for the City's mistakes.So,let me get this straight,the CFD having outdated firefighting tactics,outdated equipment,and failure to adapt to modern firefigthting techniques is all Mr.Goldsteins fault? Sure Joe,blame someone else for your screwups and i do hope Mr Goldstein sues the crap out of you for that comment.Do the right thing and resign while you are still ahead.
Posted by aquaticorange on May 17, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brave charleston 9 myspace, before you start calling the owner out, consider the fact that if the city inspections had occurred as they should have, regardless of the fact that the men were not supposed to be in there, there would not be this problem--the store owner is but one part of this massive act of tragedy. All sides share in this.. I know you say you understand this, but you also have to understand that fires are going to occur.
Smoking out back shouldn't have happened, but it wasn't intentional that someone was going to die nor destroy the store. I'm sure the people that smoked out there (and were not told otherwise by the owner nor any (absent) code enforcement officials) feel guilty every day. No one could possibly live with themselves as accomplices to death without feeling some guilt, but put the blame with those who truly deserve it: the men that decided Charleston's Bravest were not worth the money, time and effort that are quality training and gear. I really think you ought to reread the report.
Posted by twain on May 17, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas' comment says it all. "I just don't think you get a lot out of reading out of a book," he said. "You can't read out of a book how to put a fire out. You have to go out there and do it, and that's what we do."
HE CANNOT READ! Please Mr. Mayor make sure the next chief can at least read.
Posted by aquaticorange on May 17, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And Charlestonnative1963, are you related to rusty/riley? Did you know any of these men like others on this board did? Because if they'd been able to read the report, they'd be spinning in their graves over the fact that their chief talked over their mayday calls, knocked out the front windows needlessly and kept their air packs with as little as 13 minutes of air which led to their deaths. I guess you'll be the person that complains when the taxes are increased, right? Because it's all "political." When safety becomes political, maybe your comment will be relevant, but right now, these men need more training, a better system of fire fighting and better gear.
Posted by WardLaFrance on May 17, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Doormat: That's good to know. I don't know how many times I heard, "we're firefighters. If we wanted to run medical calls, we'd be with EMS." I don't know how to get the training jumpstarted unless the FF take the initiative on their own. You know, the faster you get certification, the higher on the food chain you will be when a real chief takes over and the new broom sweeps clean. Any FF who wants to make rank will be cracking the books during every spare moment.
Posted by WardLaFrance on May 17, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If I were chief, here's what I'd do.
1. Anyone who was not IFSAC certified through SCFA would come off the units until they were certified. These FF would assist in an inventory and evaluation of all safety gear and equipment. Anyone who is not certified would not be allowed on a fire scene.
2. Immediately, an instructor would be brought in to teach ICS and other basic classes would begin.
3. All my officers would have 12 months to get their leadership training.
4. Every officer would be assigned safety task evaluations of equipment and employees and report to me anything lacking. This would ensure that every employee would have the gear and equipment to do his job safely. If I have to bring in 10 instructors, then that is what I would do so my personnel could function safely with the equipment we have on hand. (This should have been started on June 19, 2007.)
5. Once I know that my personnel are getting the training and I begin updating my equipment there are other issues to address. But first and foremost, these guys need to be taught how to safely handle a situation and to work with other departments.
6.Mutual aid agreements would be worked out with neighboring departments.
7. Real pre-planning and inspections would begin. Books would be made and apparatus would have copies.
8. Every chief, assistant chief, deputy chief, battalion chief and front line pumpers would have a status board in their vehicle at all times to be used on every incident.
9. A 6 month, 1 year, 5 year and 10 year plan for the department would be made and presented to council.
Safety First
Education Second
Department Direction third.
No place for politics or bubba-hood.
Posted by east3 on May 17, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The owner, and the person who actually started it, bear responsibility for the fire and the ability of the fire to spread, but the fire department leadership bears responsiblity for the outcome. The deficiencies in the CFD brought about by decades of professional negligence would have inevitably resulted in disaster, if not in the SSS fire, then on another day at another fire. The CFD was 30 years behind the times in firefighting. The report is clear and correct in these assessments. The Mayor is culpable because he exercised no oversight over this department, ignored the 2002 report from the union urging NFPA compliance and ignored the SC governor's executive order recommending local adoption of ICS. Hopefully he will now hire an experienced professional chief who can lead the CFD forward and keep his hands off, giving the new chief broad authority to institute the Routley panel recommendations. Near the top of the list has to be testing for promotions conducted by an independent third party, in the absence of a city civil service system, to eliminate favoritism and nepotism. Replacing the entire system of attack and supply hoselines is a practical upgrade that is a priority, and training of all members in the incident command system is another. But the lists get longer as the reports go deeper. I wish the firefighters of Charleston the best. There are clearly no braver or tougher firefighters in the world and they deserve a real first class department.
Posted by Blackmon8709 on May 17, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley is an Idiot who should have been put out to pasture a long time ago. I can not believe the nerve of this elected public offical.
Posted by retired96 on May 17, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The already millionaire jerk owner broke all permit, etc., laws....disregarded insurance requirement for sprinklers...............why did Riley agree to pay almost 2mil to this crook???
Posted by rkelley48 on May 17, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's pretty sad but predictable. Anyone in the fire service could read between the lines. It is too bad the mayor can't.Now that some of the real truth is coming out the voters need to take action. Didn't I read somewhere that the city did away with the fire codes? As far as the CFD goes they are in for some hard and long times. I know they have learned from this. Now let's see if the council gives them the money. One of the things I found hard to believe was the policy of not filling air tanks until they reached 1500 psi. With the new 45 minute air packs are they going to fill them after every use? I would suggest 1 3/4 handlines too. When you put 125gpm on a fire and it does nothing, it is time for BIG guns.
Posted by retired96 on May 17, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THIS WAS A GREATLY EXCESSIVE PRICE TO PAY FOR THIS PARTICULAR TOTALLY VACANT LAND WHICH WILL NOT BE A DECENT PLACE FOR A PARK! THE FIREFIGHTERS COULD HAVE HAD A MEMORIAL PARK SOMEWHERE MORE DESIRABLE......MORE SERENE FOR REFLECTION, ETC. NOT NEAR A DRUG INFESTED PLACE WHERE DRUG DEALS ARE WITNESSED IN BROAD DAYLIGHT RIGHT IN FRONT OF CUSTOMERS. WHO WILL BE SAFE THERE? WILL POLICE PROTECTION BE NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE VISITORS JUST LIKE AT SCHOOLS?
Posted by WardLaFrance on May 17, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley may be an idiot, but he's a re-elected idiot. By the time elections roll around again, the voting public will have forgotten all about this. He knows this- he's the consummate politician. Council may be unhappy right now, but they will soon lose interest again, as well. Although the P&C is pointing out the flaws in the Riley Regime now, what do you honestly think is going to happen? Nothing. So you might as well begin thinking to the future and what will help the FFs. Nothing else will change.
Posted by Doormat on May 17, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The last I heard minimum pressure to be allowed on the 2216 airpacks was 1750 psi, still too low. The old rule was 1500 psi. 1750 was the lowest allowed in my company.
Posted by Ralph on May 17, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Little Joe, it is time for you to take that ISO Class 1 rating and shove it then get in your little RED WAGON and get pulled to Bull Street. Cause you have lost your mind!
Posted by jifdeng3 on May 17, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kerwandstarks
Beating down my chiefs door to let us roll our units to the fire, but being denied because rusty didn't need any help!!!!
Posted by bigdavek on May 17, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Magoo, to answer your question according to page G-4 bullet item number 4 "The City of Charleston removed the requirment for annual fire inspections of mercantile occupancies from its code in 2000"
Hey Mr. Riley I guess that is Herb Goldstien's fault too huh??
Posted by jifdeng3 on May 17, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We refill our 2216's if they break 2000. Not too much longer though. Our new 4500 45's should be here soon :-).
Posted by melissa672 on May 17, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ok-blame the store owner??? Give me a break--it was all over the news that they knew this was a potential hazard waiting to happen and nobody did anything to stop it until people died-the truth is that breaking the windows so they could see added oxygen to the flames-which caused an inferno that got out of control-there are alot of people to blame-but this is definitley the main cause.
Posted by Doormat on May 17, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jifdeng3 What brand of airpack will yall be getting. Scott Ap 75 is a lot heavier than our old ones but the air seems to last forever in comparison. Even when the 2216's were topped off.
Posted by jifdeng3 on May 18, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dormat
We are getting Sperian (the old surviveair). We looked at all the MFG's and really liked MSA but it would have cost several thousand more than our grant, and of course goverment didnt want to pitch in any extra even though we saved them $250,000.
Posted by frenchsmom on May 18, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's true and well publicized about the mistakes made by CFD on June the 18th. BUT, how can people ignore the fact that Goldstein blatantly broke rules and ignored codes that he had to be aware of. He is quick to pass the buck on how this should have been detected by code enforcers. I agree. But even I as a home owner know that if I add to my property I have to have permits and meet codes. So does this mean he willfully ignored the rules or was he FOR SOME REASON not worried about being caught? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that doors should not be chained and padlocked, or that flamable material should be stored in a safe way and place. I mean let's face it I'm not going to store my gas can where I know it's a danger to my home or where a cigarette might accidently get thrown on it. Goldstein owns not one but three stores so don't tell me he's not aware of the rules and regulations placed on businesses. In the beginning of all this he claimed not to be aware of the flamibility of the furniture he sold - Well what are his stores stocked with now that he is aware?
Posted by jsks on May 18, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HARPO
I couldn't agree more. Everyone that wants government out of your lives. Here is clear cut case why government agencies and period inspections are extremely important. People are so concerned about their property taxes and other taxes that support local services like education and first reponders, etc..maybe you should be willing to give a little more for better services?
Posted by hadenuff on May 18, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I read the entire report. It really made me sick to my stomach.
No I don't know what an ISO on a fire hydrant rating is, nor do I care.
If you really follow the actual time-line and radio traffic in the report, it was truly a case of the keystone (cops) firefighters. No leadership from the top-down led to this tragedy.
That said, it's time to move on.
Posted by CHRISJIII on May 19, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess that the 1.4 million dollar buyout was hush /scapegoat money from Riley to Goldstein.The idea of having a referendum to reshape the city's goverance structure on this November's ballot sounds like a long overdue idea.
Posted by blueline on May 19, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The vast majority of firefighters and police officers in Charleston have been voting against Riley for a VERY long time. Even when the opponent was a farce, we have voted against Riley. We have seen the lack of oversight, the decaying state of public safety readiness, the cronyism, the blind support of poor police and fire managers, the 'If you don't like it you can leave." attitudes. Lack of support for Riley amongst public safety workers in Charleston has been evident for anyone who cared to look. Unfortunately, nobody has cared about this until now. Riley prevaricates and equivocates every time he opens his mouth. Another favorite fib he likes to tell is how it is against the law for the city to bargain collectively with police and fire associations. (The presence of an arbitrated contract would have prevented many of the failures of leadership in both agencies). It is NOT against the law. The law simply states that it is not REQUIRED. Riley expects for the citizens of Charleston to be just dumb enough to buy everything he sells, and up until this week, he has been shrewd in his assessment.
It breaks my heart that nine brothers had to die to wake people up. The cost of ignoring the decay in Charleston's public safety agencies for 30 years is going to be colossal, and that's AFTER the city pays off the settlements.
Posted by Wilmot on May 19, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Frenchsmom, I am very reluctant to type this to you but you amaze me. Frenchy gave a mayday and kept calling for help after that and the idiots just kept ignoring him! He suffered while nobody listened to his calls for help. If you won't open your eyes to the truth then close your mouth and mourn in silence. You do your sons friends no favors by kissing Riley and Rusty's rearends. Yes, the store was a death trap. Walk down King Street and see hundreds of other deathtraps for firefighters. The simple fact is that firefighters and particularly their leaders need to be preprared for these buildings. The CFD was not prepared for the SSS fire and your son suffered the consequences. Throw those damn "we love Rusty" shirts in the trash and honor your son's memory by supporting firefighters, not the people who have devoted their lives to suppressing their safety by going with the status quo.
Posted by mainstreetmarshall on June 3, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a Firefighter (and trained in the 70s) from out of state let me add my 2 cents. The statement below, from the fire chief, says volumes. I think its obvious that he hasn't picked up a book in years. Yes, your "time tested" methods served you well...until it didn't and the Charleston Nine paid the price for Rileys ignorance.
"Through a spokesman, Thomas declined to comment Friday. But he told the newspaper after the sofa store blaze that Charleston had its own time-tested ways of fighting fires that suited the city better than anything that could come out of a book.
"I just don't think you get a lot out of reading out of a book," he said. "You can't read out of a book how to put a fire out. You have to go out there and do it, and that's what we do."