City reveals fire chief listCandidates, some controversial, come from wide range of backgrounds The Post and Courier
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The seven men vying to become Charleston's next fire chief boast an impressive list of academic credentials and a combined 220 years of experience battling blazes in some of the nation's largest cities. But some also carry baggage from past posts, including one former chief who retired under a cloud of controversy last year following a fire recruit's death. They come from across the Southeast, though only one hails from the Carolinas. One candidate was born in Charleston and his parents live South of Broad. Two others live as far away as Missouri and Ohio. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley released the candidates' names Friday, capping months of speculation that surrounded the national search to replace former Fire Chief Rusty Thomas. He retired in June, one year after the Sofa Super Store blaze that killed nine of his firefighters. The finalists are: --Richard Brannon, deputy chief of the Mobile (Ala.) Fire-Rescue Department; --Thomas Carr, chief of Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Service; --Larry Collins, retired director and chief of the Dayton (Ohio) Fire Department; --Jamie Geer, chief of Clearwater (Fla.) Fire and Rescue; --William Goodwin, retired chief of the Baltimore (Md.) Fire Department; --John Rukavina, retired director of public safety for Wake County (N.C.); --Thomas Solberg, chief of the Lee's Summit (Mo.) Fire Department. Perhaps the two biggest surprises to emerge are Carr and Goodwin, both of whom come from major urban areas considerably larger than Charleston. Carr, 54, said the opportunity in Charleston came along at the perfect time professionally and personally. Carr's father graduated from The Citadel. His parents retired to downtown Charleston and live on New Street. 
Mic Smith Charleston Mayor Joe Riley released the names of the seven candidates to become Charleston's next fire chief Friday. Previous storiesGuesses abound on new chief; Finalists for top fire post to be unveiled, published 09/17/08 Speculation mounts over who will be next chief, published 09/07/08 Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.He said he has maxed out his retirement benefits in Maryland and would retire from there if tapped for the Charleston job, which he considers to be a coup for someone who thrives on organizational challenges. "It's what I do: I like challenging the norm." In the wake of the sofa store fire, Carr invited commanders from the Charleston Fire Department to attend advanced training at his department in Maryland. He said the experience made an impact on him because he got to know Thomas and other department leaders. Goodwin's name took some by surprise for another reason. A third-generation firefighter, Goodwin rose through the Baltimore ranks and enjoyed wide support when he was appointed to the department's top post in 2002. But his tenure as chief soon turned rocky after a series of controversies, including an alleged cheating scandal and a dispute with firefighters involving overtime pay. He retired as Baltimore's fire chief in November amid calls for his ouster after the death of a firefighting cadet. Rachael M. Wilson, a 29-year-old mother of two, was killed during a live burn exercise. Goodwin's critics said he was responsible for systemic failures that led to the recruit's death, but Baltimore's mayor publicly supported the chief and said he was the strong leader that firefighters needed after the tragedy. Goodwin could not be reached for comment Friday. Steve Fugate, president of the fire officers union in Baltimore and a captain with the city's fire department, said Goodwin's interest in the Charleston job caught many in Baltimore off guard Friday. "I'm stunned," Fugate said. "With that kind of background, I never thought his name would surface again." Goodwin is not the only candidate trailed by controversy. Geer has made a number of improvements to the Clearwater department. But he also has had a rocky relationship with the union representing Clearwater firefighters, and union delegates voted in June to censure him and boycott the city, alleging unfair labor practices. A Web site devoted to the imbroglio points to host of grievances and other issues swirling around the fire department. Geer declined to comment earlier in the week, and he could not be reached Friday after the list of finalists was released. Mark Treglio, who heads the Save Clearwater Fire! campaign for the Florida Professional Firefighters Association, said Geer has shown disregard for the rules and has sown dissent among firefighters. "Your fire department and your city have been through a lot," he said. "Whoever comes to Charleston needs to be special, they have to be special. This guy isn't it." Despite some of these controversies, all of the candidates have impressive resumes in terms of education and advanced training. Rukavina, for instance, holds a law degree, was a Harvard fellow and holds chief and executive fire officer certifications. After eight years as a public safety director, he wants to devote his energies to the fire service again and he sees Charleston as a challenging, but rewarding assignment. Brannon also views the Charleston job as a challenge to put his advanced training and experience to work. In Mobile, he said, he has had extensive experience securing national accreditation for his department and overseeing emergency medical training. "A lot of the things Charleston is planning to upgrade and change, we're already doing," he said. Solberg and Collins could not be reached for comment. Both have extensive experience and have been finalists for other top fire jobs in the past year, Collins in Wilmington, N.C., and Solberg in Lincoln, Neb. 'Stacked deck'? Janet Wilmoth, editorial director for Fire Chief magazine, was impressed with the selection of Carr, whom she described as an "extraordinary" choice, but somewhat puzzled over the inclusion of the controversial Goodwin and the lesser-known candidates. She wondered if Riley hadn't already settled on a choice and was just rounding out the field for appearance's sake. "It sounds like a stacked deck to me." Riley, however, stated in a written release that all of the candidates are highly qualified and his decision will be a difficult one. Jerry Oldani, a consultant hired to conduct the national search, said all of the candidates were fully vetted and that he and the city are fully aware that some have controversial backgrounds. All of the candidates were candid about any issues they dealt with in their respective departments, and in many cases, there is more to the story than the headlines or union statements, he said. "You have to look deeper than one issue," Oldani said. "When people are change agents, there always will be a certain percentage of people that are going to have an opinion. I'm satisfied in terms of the backgrounds of all the people." Firsthand look The candidates are in store for a whirlwind round of interviews and public meet-and-greets beginning Monday. City Council members will attend a luncheon that day with the candidates at the Francis Marion Hotel. City firefighters then will get their first glimpse of the slate of hopefuls from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Charleston Maritime Center. Bill Haigler, an engineer at Station 20 in Cainhoy, said the list is impressive. "There's a wide range of candidates there. It's good to see that the mayor is entertaining all ideas." Haigler said it was too soon to say whether a favorite exists among the group, but he said many firefighters were surprised that the city attracted such high-caliber candidates. Residents, neighborhood leaders and others will meet the candidates at a community reception scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Charleston Visitor Center. On Tuesday, Riley, City Council's Public Safety Committee and a special advisory panel will interview each candidate. Riley said he will solicit feedback from these groups before recommending the best candidate to City Council. He has not specified a time line for making the final decision. City Councilman Tim Mallard, who advocated for council to have a role in selecting the next chief, said he looked forward to meeting all the candidates. He credited Riley for including City Council in the interviewing process. "Twelve heads are better than one." A sea change The winning candidate will inherit a Fire Department still reeling from last year's Sofa Super Store blaze. The June 18, 2007, tragedy was the largest single loss of firefighter lives since 9/11. It rocked the city and its beloved fire department and triggered intense scrutiny of the department's equipment and tactics. A city-appointed panel of firefighting consultants confirmed many of the concerns in May when it issued a scathing report on the department and its handling of the sofa store fire. Thomas abruptly announced his retirement on the eve of the panel's report. His departure signaled the end of an era, and gave the city an opportunity to bring the department more in line with similar-size operations around the country. The city hired Waters-Oldani Executive Recruitment to conduct the national search for $22,500, plus expenses . Oldani, the firm's senior vice president, had expected about 70 applications but ended with twice that number when the application window closed in early August. Oldani, who has conducted fire chief searches all over the country, said this slate was among the most impressive he'd seen in his career. The minimum qualifications the city stipulated for the job reflect a national trend toward better-educated fire chiefs. Candidate profiles Richard Brannon, 51, is deputy chief of operations for the Mobile (Ala.) Fire-Rescue Department. A Mobile native, Brannon is a 30-year veteran of the fire service, including three years as a deputy chief. Brannon holds two bachelor's degrees and has chief and executive fire officer certifications. He oversees about 400 firefighters in the city's 20 stations. He also is a lieutenant commander with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and was recognized for his work with relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina. Thomas Carr, 54, is chief of the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Service. He has 30 years experience in the fire service, including four years as chief. The Charleston native oversees more than 1,000 career firefighters and roughly the same number of volunteers. Carr, who holds a master's degree from the University of Maryland, also was a fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Known as an innovator, Carr invited Charleston fire commanders to train at his department following the deadly Sofa Super Store blaze. Larry Collins is a retired director and chief of the Dayton (Ohio) Fire Department and has three decades of firefighting experience, including 11 years as chief. Collins, who holds a bachelor's degree from LaSalle University, was among three finalists for the fire chief's job in Wilmington, N.C., earlier this year. Collins' career included a brush with death during a 1986 fire in Dayton. His tenure as chief coincided with lean economic times in the city, and the Fire Department saw staffing cuts and station closings on his watch. Jamie Geer is the chief of Clearwater (Fla.) Fire and Rescue, with 33 years in the fire service and four years experience as chief. He holds a master's degree in public administration from the State University of West Georgia and a chief fire officer designation. The union representing Clearwater's firefighters has had a stormy relationship with Geer, and its delegates voted in June to censure him and boycott the city, alleging unfair labor practices. William Goodwin, 52, retired in November as chief of the Baltimore Fire Department. A 33-year veteran, he came up through the ranks of the department and served eight years as chief. He holds a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and also received a fellowship to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He enjoyed widespread support for a time, but resigned amid great controversy after the February death of a female recruit during a live-burn training exercise. John Rukavina, 57, retired in June as public safety director for Wake County, N.C. Rukavina began his career in Minnesota and served 36 years in the fire service, including 14 years as chief and eight as public safety director. Rukavina, who has a law degree from the University of Minnesota, is a FEMA fellow at the Kennedy School of Government and holds chief and executive fire officer designations. He was a finalist for the fire chief job in Georgia's Cobb County earlier this year. Thomas Solberg, a 30-year fire service veteran, has served as chief of the Lee's Summit (Mo.) Fire Department for eight years. He holds a master's degree from Baker University and a chief fire officer certification. Solberg's department has about 140 employees in seven stations. He was a finalist last year for the fire chief's job in Lincoln, Neb. He is a former firefighters' union president in Lee's Summit, the union said. Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724. Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 52 comment(s)
Posted by bootlicked on September 20, 2008 at 3:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And let the games begin. Some good info on www.ventingtheroof.com. Greer-unfair labor practices well a perfect candidate for the City of Charleston. Goodwin- resigned after a firefighter was killed on his watch. Cotton- eyed Joe do these gentlmen remind you of you best Chief in America Rusty Thomas? What were you thinking? We know who will get the job though.(sob,daddy-elcid). Could fortunatly be the best choice. Cotton-eyed-joe picking a fire Chief isn't going to be difficult for you what is going to be difficult is letting him do his job and seeing what a real fire dept. will cost.
Posted by bootlicked on September 20, 2008 at 3:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Solberg definitely won't get it seeing he was once a union president. Can't wait until monday.
Posted by billybart on September 20, 2008 at 4:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all Chief Rusty Thomas was and is the best Fire Chief in my opinion in the Nation. Cannot understand how a person or persons can be considered with basically the same things that caused our Chief to retire. We miss you Chief Rusty, Hope your life is going great, enjoy your retirement as we still believe in you
Posted by billybart on September 20, 2008 at 4:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh yea I forgot one main thing I hope the the person chosen can come close to Chief Rusty Thomas level of compassion, If they can then they will make a good Fire Chief.
Posted by CedarPosts on September 20, 2008 at 5:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am often surprised by Charleston's politics, but at least we are not alone in considering stupidity a virtue.
Google the term “Mayor for Life” and you’ll come up with 29,600 hits detailing mayors who seem to have their job in perpetuity, including the infamous Marion Barry of Washington DC.
Google the term “Embattled Mayor” and you’ll receive 27,500 hits with Detroit’s mayor Kwame Kilpatrick leading the way.
Corrupt Mayor and there are 26,400 hits.
Google the term “Long Term Mayor” and you’ll come up with 12,800 hits.
Try “Ousted Mayor” and surprise only 2,830 hits.
Google “Arrested Mayor” and thankfully you will return only 1,400 hits.
But Google the term “Mayor Defeated in Election” and you’ll discover a paltry 167 hits.
Hardly scientific but consider this; our nation’s mayors seem to have their jobs forever. Even though most are disliked, they keep their jobs, as few are ever ousted. Despite their notable corruption, few are ever arrested and less than one percent are voted out of office.
One can only assume as Mayor Reilly has, no matter what he does he'll be the MAYOR!
More at http://www.cedarposts.blogspot.com
Posted by Hatton on September 20, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
billybart are you SERIOUS?????? You really believe the garbage that is coming out your mouth. I bet you still wear underoo's and use a towel as a cape and put back on your helmet the stupid is escaping. You people don't get it. It is not about being a likable person it is about being competent to lead. The CFD has had to deal with Rusty and his Rangers long enough. It is time for a real Chief to come in. I read on another blog somewhere that the majority of Chief Carr's men don't want him to leave and that says something about the man. Tell Ol russy to be compassionate about the price he charges for uniforms.
Posted by sbs920 on September 20, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
little joe will choose the best "yes" man of the bunch.
Posted by Tulane75 on September 20, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cedar posts' post lacks logic. All of the interesting, but irrelevant, lines about Google searching do not support the negative comments that he/she wanted to make about Mayor Riley. Even the conclusion is wrong. What Mayor Riley thinks or does is not what gets him elected. Clearly, he has been Mayor for all these years, because he has been elected by the voters.
I also get your point that you believe the electorate in Charleston is Stupid. Or, are you saying that the Mayor is stupid, but the voters consider that a virtue and that is why Mayor Riley gets elected?
I get it that you don't like Mayor Riley, but you get the same 1 vote as he rest of us!
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on September 20, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe someone on the short list is so clouded with an ugly past.Are they freaking stupid?Thomas I see your point about age.But it can be a no win situation.Too young and they could get flack and lack of respect,too old and they're washed up.
Posted by mmfrommdbywayofchas on September 20, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Surely someone has checked out the Baltimore Sun and goggled Goodwin to follow up on his Rusty Thomas style of running a fire fiefdom or should I say Fire department. IT makes for interesting reading and you should find some similarities in management and risk styles.
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Residents need to be there to protest this incompetent buffoon, Mr. Riley's continuance in office. Allowing him to be mayor of a small little place like charleston is about as silly as voting Obama as President of the United States of America.
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Coldbeer - What "LITTLE BLACK JOE" wants, his servants give him........NoBama-08
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
William Goodwin, appears to be another Rusty Thomas clone, so he be HIGH on Rileeeeeeeys list for sure.....NoBama-08
Posted by bootlicked on September 20, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Billybart; your opinion sounds like one of an idiot. You must be one of those fools on jim island that has a sign in his yard. Those signs should read we hate the city firemen and we wish that it could have been more than nine. By the way he isn't still a chief and won't never be one again and should have never been one in the first place. I wonder what happened to the Thomases at the retirement dinner at the fire museum the other night ? No one cared to see them anyway.
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
....according to the Baltimore Sun....NoBama-08
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 20, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Geeez, why does everything have to be a politcal comment?
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
guidedbystewart -
"Geez, why does everything have to be a political comment?"
If you read the story, you might have noticed that its all about, "POLITICS" and the slime Mr. Riley......NoBama-08
Posted by CedarPosts on September 20, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tulane75
You understood my point well.
Regardless of what the mayor does, here in Charleston as elsewhere in our nation the voters turn a blind eye when it comes to the Mayor.
The search for a new Chief of the CFD is just a highly visible footnote to a very deep and troubling management trend. A trend that will continue, and as long as it's politics as usual nothing will change.
Posted by billybart on September 20, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bootlicked your an idiot he retired a Chief. And opinions like yours is why our city is dealing with problems now. And by the way the Thomas family is really good people, how dare anyone attack their character, and we dont need a reply on that get alife and maybe your opinion would change
Posted by billybart on September 20, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hatton are you even an adult sounds like you live disney world. I attacked no ones character. Remember idiot everyone has and entitled to opinion. Im glad for Chas you are not in a leadership pos or part of selection committee. As far I am concerned you are a waste of space. HAIL TO THE CHIEF that is Chief Rusty Thomas. And by the way leave his family alone
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
billybart, are you for real???? ......NoBama-08
Posted by Roger1978 on September 20, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why are there no locals on the list? You can't promote from within or hire from around the area or anything? As if some fire chief from out of state is going to do a better job, the only benefit to them is we don't know all of their screwups b/c the P&C doesn't report on fire chiefs from other states regularly.
Posted by JF on September 20, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure the new fire chief will quickly rise to be hailed by the mayor as the "best fire chief in the nation", if not the world!
Posted by eatmorecollards on September 20, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All the candidates seem to have impressive degrees,except for one thing.The article doesn't state what they are degreed in. Are any of the degrees related to fire science or fire engineering? I see that one is degreed in public administration,is it with a emphasis on fire science or is it in something like public health? One wouldn't see a medical doctor that was only degreed in law.
Posted by UrGatorbait on September 20, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Because it's politically motivated stewie, pay attention.
Cedarpost obviously is bored
Uber patriot...
Let's pick another Charleston native with good ol' boy connections...yeah
Yes the little Emperor will pick with out anyone's counsel.
Posted by Hatton on September 20, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
billybart, You must be at Disney World with the statement like you made. How many times does it have to be said that it is not about him being a GOOD GUY! It is about the fact he was a HORRIBLE CHIEF! Had he been the head of the Parks and Recreation he would have been awesome. There is a significant difference in being a GOOD GUY and being able to LEAD! You are entitled to your opinion but also be prepared to have that opinion challenged! Your right about giving him Hail but I'm thinking more like HELL! Never said anything about the family so I don't know where that came from.
Posted by Hatton on September 20, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DontTase you said it all! LMFAO!
Posted by johnbehrens on September 20, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor Joe Riley: Hello from an ole Charlestonian John H, Behrens Nephew of the oldest Fire Chief Louis Behrens 56 y
ears service. Good Luck on picking a New Chief, Tough job. John H. Behrens
Posted by dhendrix on September 20, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone needs to remember that there are 3 sides to every story. I personally worked under Chief Geer for many years. He has a masters in business admin, Bachelors in public admin and an associate in fire science. He was the founding president for our local, at that time I was the secretary. He fought long and hard for firefighter issues that included everything from low staffing levels to health and safety issues. I have remained in regular contact with him and also followed the stories. I know how the game is played and support Jamie 100% in his bid for Charleston chief. Any Chief is going to bring a certain amount of baggage with them.
Also Chief Geer will have the endorsement of Two IAFF Locals 2851 and 3758 going into this process.
David Hendrix
President IAFF local 2851
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
**** Posted by DontTaseMe_Bro on September 20, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Coldbeer - What "LITTLE BLACK JOE" wants, his servants give him........NoBama-08
What do you mean by this? ....Ms. Wasilla-08*****
________________________________________________________
Well what do you know, its DontTaseMe_Bro. Sorry, but with all the important posting to read I overlooked you.
Since I haven't used ....Ms. Wasilla-08 before I haven't a clue what you mean. Is this an independent or write in trying to be President?
If you are referring to "Little Black Joe", I have heard a lot of African-American whites and blacks refer to him with this term. He was promising them everything when he first ran for mayor.
But then that might be a little hard for you to comprehend, based on your follow up post..
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, DontTaseMeBro, Someone has written him yet another comedy skit to read to the folks. Hope no one asks him a question. Obama might fall to pieces trying to formulate an idea of his own. Like he said, "Way above my paygrade"
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
....NoBama-08
Posted by Hatton on September 20, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DHendrix while your opinion is appreciated there needs to be a Chief with no drama to come to Charleston. It is time for the firefighters of the CFD to get a Chief that is willing to sit down at the table with UNION leadership and upper level management and formulate a plan to move forward and get it adopted by the City Council and the Mayor. Some of the work has been taken care of with the Phase One Report. More firefighters are speaking against Chief Geer than for so that says a lot.
Posted by dhendrix on September 20, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hatton, I really think you would have that in Geer. I could call abunch a firefighters from a couple of different states and have just as many or more for than against. I really feel for you guys and what you have been through and only wish the best for you. I wouldn't hesitate one minute to work under him as chief of a department.
Posted by Hatton on September 20, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dhendrix I will say this. It does make me think twice with you putting yourself out there.
Posted by dhendrix on September 20, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hatton If you would like to call me and discuss this, I'd be more than happy to.
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on September 20, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor Joe Riley: Hello from an ole Charlestonian John H, Behrens Nephew of the oldest Fire Chief Louis Behrens 56 years service. Good Luck on picking a New Chief, Tough job.
-----
Mr. Behrens... oldest at what?
Posted by bootlicked on September 20, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Billybart; First off let me tell you that I worked with all three Thomases for a long time. None knew their jobs but were given their positions from politics. Look up thier credentials. Tommy wouldn't do you wrong to get ahead like the others he was just put in a position he should have never been in. I only talk about the Thomases on the CFD. If you only knew how they treated others on the job. Most that knew more than them were the ones that were always reminded that they were the chief and if you didn't like it quit. Really nice guys huh? You must be from James Island. So back off with your cult like mentality. I bet you would have been well liked by Manson or Karesh . No matter how much is proven or said by people who are well liked and civic minded also you wouldn't ever think maybe we could be right. Oh and "retired" is a good one! Keep believing hope it serves you well. I guess you are saying that I'm slandering the Thomases ? (Ha Ha) Sorry for calling you an idiot I should have said ignorant and content or ignorant and proud.
Posted by a_set_love on September 20, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DontTaseMe_Bro, Someone who likes to stand around and urinate all over themselves and has a fascination with mens' asses.
What a strange little person.
No wonder this person supports Obama and hates someone called Ms Wasilla.
Posted by a_set_love on September 21, 2008 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by DontTaseMe_Bro on September 20, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(peeing on myself laughing so hard) ...here comes proilliterate! Swinging like you would expect a desperate loser to do.
I am all of the people he says I am. I am also his daddy, him momma, and him great, great gramomma.
_____________________________________________________________
The poster child for "This is your brain on DRUGS". TSK, TSK, TSK. I'm sure that President McCain will be able to find a quiet place for you to rest, recover and be treated.
There is treatment available for your split/multiple personalities and fascination with mens' asses....NoBama-08
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on September 21, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chief Carr already owns a house down here in Charleston. Hmmmm...
Posted by CaptPete on September 21, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe some of those troublemaking union members will get the boot soon or at least another shift change.
Posted by cplpunishment on September 21, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
billybart- Idoit of the highest order....Rusty is a tard...and now he has to work in a uniform shop...maybe he is qualified for that!
As for the rest of the rangers.....your days are numbered! Hope you have something lined up!
CaptPete......not all union members are bad! You better watch who's toes you step on.....you may be calling them Chief!!!
Posted by Hatton on September 21, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cpl, Couldn't have said it better myself
Posted by bootlicked on September 21, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No one will ever call him(capt. pete) Chief! He better thank Rusty everyday that they call him capt. because he would never have the title in any other dept. the size of Charleston. Is your miserable little world closing in on you? Do you feel like an outcast again? Priceless!!!! The more you rant about the majority of the f.d. the more your liitle walls will close in on you.
Posted by bootlicked on September 21, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is rusty really working in the uniform shop? What the hell does he do work as a dummy and model uniforms? I can here him now :" yes sir I wud recamin poliesta its da bes". What a joke.
Posted by JohnS on September 22, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bootlicked: After reading your post if your attitude is like the majority of the dept if my house burns I will just call Allstate instead of you guys. You are the problem not the solution.
Posted by bootlicked on September 22, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
John S; The main problem is gone , the others are slowly but surely following suit. The only other problem is people like you that think this is all fun and games. Please don't call. This is the best idea you've had. I guess you don't realize that the "problems" are the ones that get the job done. Go back to James Island and hug your hero.
Posted by firefightersforthetruth on September 22, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CaptPete!
About ready to eat your crow! I'll feed it to you personally.
JohnS!
You need to understand Rusty! He only got that way because of inbreeding! He will never wear a badge again. Only real firefighters get to do that. They are still here, he is gone, soon to be followed by a whole lot more brown nose snots like you. Pete you can get ready also, You are on the short list handed to the new chief candidates!
Soon a real Chief will lead real men into the fire created by ignorant inbreed boys like RT, RO'D,RC,LG,RS!
9 MEN DEAD! REVENGE IS MINE SAID THE LORD! THEY WILL NEVER FOOL HIM! JUST THE POOR LOST SHEEP WHO FOLLOW BLINDLY!
Posted by Veryconcerned on September 23, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Attention Charleston FD Union:
You do not want Rukavina being your fire chief. He is a total idiot and has no common sense idea how the fire service should operate. He has screwed up every endeavor that he has been involved with. His tenure in Wake County NC was a major screw up. Just contact the fire chiefs in the county and get the scoop. You will also find out that he was in one of those either retire or we will retire you situations. You should also contact the union members of the Asheville Fire Department in NC. This guy is trouble and if you think that things are messed up now......Well, please just make the calls guys. Remember, he is a lawyer and you know how much BS they can let fly. This one is damn good at doing that. Be Carefulllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!
Posted by craigjames78 on September 24, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
for those that really care.
i hope that CFD will get a Fire Chief that will bring Charleston to the level that they deserve to be. there is nothing worse than seeing a great city like Charleston have such an outdated fire department. I wish my brothers and sisters in CFD the best and pray for the best outcome for them not the Mayor.
Posted by bootlicked on September 25, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Go back to Stories differ on fire chief and see if you don't see that Riley's tactics never change. I thought the way he is going about hiring a new chief is unprecidented. The only difference is that he is going to hire someone from another dept. that has the know how to run a dept. He said the same thing about Guthke as he said about RT's retirement.