Fire chief hopefuls make splash7 men spend day meeting city officials, firefighters The Post and Courier
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The seven men competing to command the Charleston Fire Department as it rebuilds from the tragic Sofa Super Store fire spent Monday in a whirl of meetings with council members, firefighters and community leaders. The public nature of the process is unprecedented in Charleston, where the mayor alone has the authority to nominate the next chief for confirmation by City Council. Council members had pushed for a larger role and were pleased with the outcome. "We're getting a chance to see the final candidates, and I think that's admirable," said Councilman Jimmy Gallant, who earlier this year resigned from the Public Safety Committee to protest council's lack of involvement. 
Brad Nettles Charleston officials met with candidates for the city's fire chief position at the Francis Marion Hotel on Monday. Among those attending were (from left) Jamie Geer, Councilman Gary White Jr., Thomas Carr, Councilman Aubry Alexander, Mayor Joe Riley and William Goodwin. Previous storyCandidates, some controversial, come from wide range of backgrounds, published 09/20/08 There's been speculation that a clear front-runner is among the seven candidates, but council members disagree. "I don't think that the deck was stacked," Councilman Larry Shirley said. On Friday after the city released the finalists' names, Fire Chief magazine Editorial Director Janet Wilmoth said candidate Thomas Carr was the obvious standout. Mayor Joe Riley reiterated Monday that he's made no decision and could pick any one of the seven. Shirley and Councilmen Aubry Alexander and Gary White said they all came away with the same two or three favorites, though they declined to reveal their preferences. Alexander is on council's Public Safety Committee, which will interview each candidate today for an hour. "I'd be hard-pressed to say, after having lunch with them, that I could pick one or maybe two," said committee Chairwoman Yvonne Evans. "I think they are all very qualified." Riley will also conduct interviews today, as will another committee that he selected. The leader ultimately chosen will take over a department still reeling from the nine firefighter deaths in the Sofa Super Store fire. The deaths revealed systemic problems and led to expensive equipment upgrades and changes in procedures. Fire Chief Rusty Thomas retired in June, a year after the fire. "What we're looking for is a leader," Evans said. "They need to come in to a department that has been through so very much and take it where it needs to be." 
Brad Nettles Carr Thomas Carr Councilman James Lewis said Carr would be his first choice. Carr, 54, is chief of 2,200 paid and volunteer firefighters at the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Service. Commanders from Charleston attended training sessions with Carr's department after the sofa store tragedy. Carr told council members that in Montgomery County he developed a model urban search and rescue program and an aggressive incident command training program. Carr's parents have homes downtown and on Sullivan's Island, but he's not the only candidate with local ties. 
Brad Nettles Geer Jamie Geer Chief of Clearwater (Fla.) Fire and Rescue, Geer grew up on James Island and was a firefighter with the James Island and Mount Pleasant fire departments until 1980. Councilman Gary White said he thinks Charleston firefighters could relate well to someone who was a local firefighter. In Clearwater, Geer has drawn the ire of the firefighters union and a raft of grievances. Geer said those issues resulted from the significant changes he was hired to make in the department after a fire that killed several residents and seriously injured five firefighters. "As a change-agent fire chief, change is difficult and not everyone agrees with it," Geer said after the luncheon. 
Brad Nettles Brannon Richard Brannon Lewis said that in addition to Carr, he also was impressed by Brannon, deputy chief of the Mobile (Ala.) Fire-Rescue Department, and Larry Collins, former chief of the Dayton (Ohio) Fire Department. Mobile has 20 fire stations serving an area roughly twice Charleston's size. Brannon also is an officer in the Coast Guard Reserve. He oversaw the decontamination of equipment and personnel at the World Trade Center site after 9/11 and was responsible for the recovery operation for more than 500 commercial vessels after Hurricane Katrina. 
Brad Nettles Collins Larry Collins Collins was with the Dayton department for 30 years. He was its training officer and hazardous materials coordinator and oversaw a $37 million budget. Collins started out as a paramedic and worked his was up to chief, holding that post for 11 years. He attended the Management Excellence Program at the University of Virginia. 
Brad Nettles Goodwin William Goodwin Councilman Wendell Gilliard said he was most impressed by Goodwin, who resigned last fall as chief of the Baltimore Fire Department. Goodwin has a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and was a fellow at Harvard University. In Baltimore he oversaw a $150 million budget, which is more than Charleston's city budget. "What I liked about him was his respect for workers' rights," Gilliard said. The union president in Baltimore has been critical of Goodwin, who stepped down in the wake of the death of a firefighting cadet who died during a live-burn training exercise. Goodwin said he was out of the country when the cadet died, and said he pushed for an independent investigation. "I'm sure the union president doesn't agree with me, but leadership is dangerous," he said. 
Brad Nettles Rukavina John Rukavina Rukavina retired in June as director of public safety for Wake County (N.C.), a department serving about 220,000 people. He opted for a career in the fire service while earning his law degree. "I really have the fire service in my blood," he told council. Rukavina has worked as a city manager, as well as a fire chief. He is a certified mediator in North Carolina, and while working in Asheville (N.C.) he helped facilitate a program to improve race relations. 
Brad Nettles Solberg Thomas Solberg Solberg is chief of the Lee's Summit (Mo.) Fire Department. He was appointed chief in 2000, and was union president for nine years before going into management. He has been in the fire service for 30 years, having started out in 1978 as a paramedic. A union leader in Lee's Summit credited Solberg with helping to unite the department in the wake of a diving death that claimed a firefighter in 1999. The firefighters Dozens of firefighters met with the finalists in the afternoon at the Charleston Maritime Center. Several said they appreciated the opportunity to size up the candidates. "I think it was a good idea to get to know them a little more before you throw some bugles on their collar and they're the boss of us," firefighter Chris Tennyson said. Several firefighters said they were impressed but had some concerns about how long a few candidates had been away from the front lines. "You want someone who has been knee-deep," firefighter Alfred Brewington said. Capt. George LeMacks said the ideal pick would be someone with a solid background in firefighting, administrative skills, and a leader's ability to bring Charleston in line with modern fire services. Engineer Marty Richard said he hopes the next chief will build a better relationship with rank-and-file firefighters. "If one of those guys gets in there, then Charleston is going to grow by leaps and bounds," he said. "We're all excited, but the mayor's next announcement (about who will be chief) is going to determine just how excited we really are." A receiving line Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.The candidates finished out their day at the Charleston Visitor Center with neighborhood leaders and others. The seven stood in a receiving line for 90 minutes, shaking hands and chatting with civic association officers from across the city. "It's important to us, who the next fire chief is," said Michael Allen, president of the Ashley Hall Manor Civic Association. Riley said he would decide whom to nominate soon but offered no timetable. |
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Comments
This article has 30 comment(s)
Posted by eatmorecollards on September 23, 2008 at 3:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In the early days of the James Island Fire Department it was staffed,led and trained by many firefighters from the City of Charleston Fire Department. More than a few firefighters left James Island to become chief fire officers eslewhere.Could fate be at work here?
Posted by eatmorecollards on September 23, 2008 at 4:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is Charleston calling her sons home?
Posted by DoaMM on September 23, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There's a pick already. Riley knows who it's gonna be. This is all just one big Dog & Pony show.
Posted by kma71 on September 23, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to agree with you DoaMM. "King Riley" knows who he's going to pick!!
I just hope the next chief isn't a "yes" man and will make some changes for the better!
Posted by DoaMM on September 23, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
kma71, have you ever known Riley to pick a "no" or "maybe" man? I hope you're right, but I'm doubtful. We'll see soon enough, I guess.
Posted by captivated on September 23, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It doesn't matter who gets picked, our next fire chief will be King Joe Riley, just like our last fire chief.
Posted by forget on September 23, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't there ANYONE in the Charleston or tri-county area that is qualified to be fire chief? The same thing was done in S'ville when they hired someone to run the YMCA. They hired someone from another state. Someone that didn't know anything about the community.
Isn't there anyone that is qualified for anything in this area?
Posted by UrGatorbait on September 23, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It'll be a local boy so King Joe can pull the strings.
Posted by justmyview on September 23, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a bit surprised that there isn't 1 local candidate and most of the men have already retired from previous positions.
Posted by JH09915 on September 23, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How damn ridiculous can it get?
Charleston brings the finalists to town to meet and greet..
Phoney bunch of crap!!
Just name the chief and move on, you already know who the hell it is!!
Posted by STREETLAW on September 23, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would appear some of these men are seriously overqualified for the job.
It is also disappointing that no minorities or women were qualified, at least in the eyes of Mayor Joe.
Based on several factors, Larry Collins would seem to be the best choice. Time will tell.
Posted by MR_PRETTY on September 23, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
you mean to tell me, not one african in there? not one hispanic?, not one asian? i'll be dam! this is a blatent slap in the face fir all africans that live in the city. one of the question you city council members should ask is why no one of color is being considered? Thats why i miss a man like Mr. kwadjo Campbell. He would never had gone along with this sham. That man had GUTS! Wake up Gillard. You don't have to feel like the odd ball out. Speak up for your constituants mostly africans. You don't see anything wrong with the candidate here? Mr. kwadjo, if your reading these blogs, let me say sir that even though these africans down here in the south are shell shocked from the 50's and 60's they still need guidance. please come back. remember the story about the field negro and the house negro. when the plantation was on fire and burning, the house negro tried to put the fire out more than the owners did. but that ol' field negro, he was smart, the field negro prayed for wind to make the fire bigger. Mr. Campbell, you sir are a field negro and i love you my brother. Where ever you are you are greatly missed.
Posted by DoaMM on September 23, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MR_PRETTY,
An "African" (as you put it) would not be qualified for the job because an "African" is not a U.S. Citizen, as is required by law to become the Fire Chief for the City of Charleston.
I'm going to take stab at it and guess that you meant to say a "Black AMERICAN".
Sir, I don't care what color the person is, as long as he/she is well qualified and an American citizen.
The dribble that you spout in your posts is the reason some Americans WON'T move on from the distant past. With a mentality calling for "black this" and "black that" you continue the racism that you despise so much. Quit using the race card.
No matter what color you are, we're Americans...period.
Have a wonderful day.
Posted by Hatton on September 23, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Asking for a minority candidate HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! These Racist people in this area won't have that! Every time you have a BLACK Chief in this area all the White BOYS are out to get them. Example Chief Herb Williams Mt.Pleasant was loved as the number two man but now that he is the boss he is just worthless that is Garbage he inherited a mess from Mims but nobody wants to talk about that right. Mr Pretty I feel your pain but when ever a MINORITY is a real threat they will find away to hold them down.
Posted by Hatton on September 23, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DoaMM, I would like to agree with you but Americans are as Racist now as they have ever been and you Sir/Mam are in the Minority with your thinking. If everyone thought like you America would be a better place. Here in Charleston you have too many GOOD OLE BOYS THINKING " THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN "
Posted by Hatton on September 23, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ColdBeer, and I love the name by the way especially as it relates to what you need to drink putting up with all the BS that goes on. My point I was trying to make was whenever a MINORITY seems to be placed in position of authority them seem to become problematic or if they are doing well the political powers that be find a way to screw them. Racism does cross all lines you are correct. I feel racism is worst now because before as a Minority you didn't get a chance. Now they bring them into there world and the individuals just get screw another example Chief Judge North Charleston.
Posted by MR_PRETTY on September 23, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DOAM, you don't get to tell me who or what i am, i can define myself. i have studied exstensively with the great minds of Dr. Ben, Akeem Mutabuti, Dr. Amos Wilson, Dr. Francis Crest Welsing, Professor Leonard Jeffries, Lisa Williamson, kweme Toure, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Steve Coakley, Professor Simmons and many many more great african minds. You, son, could not hold my jock strap. I don't have a slave mentality. Thanks to all those people, I have a free thinking african mind. Check this white boy trying to tell me what i am lol lol lol. * Hatton think about this, Dr. john Henrik Clark teaches us that " RACISM = THE ABILITY TO INCLUDE OR EXCLUDE" he goes on to say thats all RACISM IS AND THATS ALL RACISM WILL EVER BE" "THE ABILITY TO ENCLUDE OR EXCLUDE" as africans we don't own a thing here. you may want to believe you do but give it some thought. Now, as a black person you can be *PREJUDICE. you can prejudge someone and HATTON AFTER ALL that has happen to blacks in this country, you had better prejudge! theres nothing wrong with knowing what happen in the past and making dicisions based apon that experience.
Posted by eatmorecollards on September 23, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MR_PRETTY-You didn't go back far enough into the past. If you would have, you would know that the most of any race to have ever been enslaved were Caucasians.
Posted by JupitersMom on September 23, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whoa! Did anyone stop to check if any minorities had asked for the position and been denied?
I believe strongly that we are all members of ONE HUMAN RACE! Then I read 'some' of these posts and feel like some people just want to keep racism alive and live in the past.
I don't care what race or color the person is who gets picked as long as they are competent enough to DO the job! I also don't owe "reparations" to anyone because I didn't do ANYTHING to ANYONE.
Are you, in fact, mrpretty, African? If so, do you work here with a legal work visa? Just wondering as an American tax payer...
Posted by UnoCubanito on September 23, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
every race has racist people, but you DON"T pay them any mind because they are simple minded. They spend the entire day worrying about the race/color of someone and miss out on so much more to life. Anyhow though I am not a native of Charleston,SC, but moved here from Miami via Cuba. I thought they should have look within the Charleston Fire Department who know much about whats wrong and need fixing. There are many retired firemen who have years of service I am sure in Charleston that won't mind
Posted by MR_PRETTY on September 23, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yes, i am an african, born right here in the dirty south. MUSC hospital.
Posted by moonpie on September 23, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not one person from the CFD was qualified to be the next head? Or do you think after the Rusty debacle King Joey decided he had to go outside the dept??
Posted by jeff61 on September 23, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
studied exstensively with the great minds of Dr. Ben, Akeem Mutabuti, Dr. Amos Wilson, Dr. Francis Crest Welsing, Professor Leonard Jeffries, Lisa Williamson, kweme Toure, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Steve Coakley, Professor Simmons
Maybe they could be the fire chief??
What happend with the lawyer story
Posted by east4 on September 23, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can assure you that there was NO ONE qualified to take Rusty's spot.
Posted by jeff61 on September 23, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can any of these guys make change for a dollar?
Posted by jeff61 on September 23, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do these guys have any spare change....change..change.....
Posted by jeff61 on September 23, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
moonpie said head...hee,,hee,hee,,hee
Posted by bootlicked on September 23, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
east4: Yeah, they need about 3/4 of their brains removed to fill his shoes.
Posted by UberSCwasp on September 24, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amazing - no minorities? Guess you better call the NAACP and get this problem in line, since there are no "colored people". Wasn't Reuben Greenberg black? As far as I know, he did a good job for many years, and it was probably because he was qualified. Trying to arbitrarily inject "colored people" into the mix is ridculous.
Posted by NIMS800Chief on September 25, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sometimes, if you want something fixed in a hurry...say 3-5 years, then bring in the "old grey dog" whose been on the hunt for a few years. Then in the same time, mentor the younger guys and gals to form a quality leadership pool and then go for the long term fire chief. Inasmuch as minority fire chiefs are concerned, 2 came to mind. I know that Atlanta's new fire chief, Kelvin Cochran by far would have made a great fire chief for CFD but....took Atlanta after leaving as a stellar chief from Shreveport. Another is Otis J. KLatin Sr, who retired as a Assistant EMS Chief from Houston and thereafter assumed fire chief of Washington DC and Fort Lauderdale for 9 years. He is now Director of Homeland Security for the City of Austin. Now those 2 in my opinion would have brought a good leadership mix with CFD. Both are strong mentors and great financial planners as well.
In short Chief Carr is my choice