Bethlehem Firefighters Have No Confidence in Their Chief

Brian Salabsky, a Bethlehem firefighter for past 26 years and President of Bethlehem Firefighters Local 735, told Bethlehem City Council last night that his membership has lost all confidence in Fire Chief Warren Achey, During a recent vote of the union's 95 members, 88 indicate they've lost confidence in Achey.

Salabsky accused Achey of creating a toxic environment with threatening behavior and poor communication. He noted that, during budget discussions last year, Achey failed to inform Council that the Civil Service list of applicants had expired. This meant that there was insufficient time to send anyone to Allentown's fire academy in February. He added that Achey has denied 100% of all grievances filed, something no other fire chief has ever done. He concluded that poor moreale in the fire department has created an "infectious plague."

Chief Achey was appointed in 2017 by former Mayor Bob Donchez.  

Cartwright: Tatamy Firefighters To Get Equipment Grant

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright is reporting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded Tatamy Fire Company with a $42,858 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). These funds will allow Tatamy to replace its air compressor/cascade/fill station, which has some components to it that date back to the 1990s. The purpose of an air cascade system is to refill SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) units following use. SCBA units are worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air.

“Our brave firefighters and other emergency personnel confront danger on a regular basis in order to keep our communities safe from harm,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “We must do anything we can do to help people stay safe from harm, and I am proud to continue to support funding for our local fire departments.”

The purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Since 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $6.7 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

During the current funding cycle, the AFG program will award another $310.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

Fed Ed Slights Allentown Firefighters on Labor Day

Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski went out of his way to insult Allentown's Fire Department on, of all days, Labor Day. It' his way of thanking firefighters for daring to tell City Council that they need equipment or people are going to die. It's a passive aggressive shot, too. Exactly the kind to be expected from a girly boy. On his goofy Allentown City Without Limits Facebook page, he posts a picture featuring cops, garbage men, hard hats from a construction site, some lady at an ice cream counter and some pics that appear to be totally unrelated to city workers or Labor Day. Hecompletely omits Allentown firefighters, just as he has repeatedly done in several budgets.

I also see no mention made of the guys who plow the streets or who maintain Allentown's parks and do such an excellent job running several exciting tournaments at which Fed Ed never shows.

But Fed Ed does include a rather bizarre pic at the bottom of his montage of hapless young kids sitting on a flat bed. They look as though they are being carted off to the mines while Fed Ed is in some sort of conga line.

Allentown Firefighters Finally Getting Some Attention

Removing rims from basketball courts is just mean. Refusing to service Allentown's fire engines is criminal negligence. After accusing Allentown firefighters of playing politics and denying they had a problem, Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski finally has their attention.

According to the Firefighters Facebook page, Fed Ed has been prodded to take the following steps:

1. The purchase of a Demonstration model Fire Engine. It came with 21,000 miles, NO generator, and is too big to fit in the previous engine's designated bay. Unfortunately that is Reactionary spending. It does help the Crisis but it is a long way from a fix.
2. The contract with the Fleet Maintenance provider limited the amount of vehicles the Fire Department was allowed to have. Since April that number has been eliminated, enabling them to rehab a previously abandoned piece of equipment and place it back into service. Another temporary band aid.
3. For the first time ever the Fire and Police Administrations have been asked to be part of the Request For Proposal committee which dictates what will be in the Fleet Maintenance Contract which expires at the end of the year.
4. One of the new proposals for the future contract is that the mechanics which work on Emergency vehicles for the City will be sent for specialized training (Emergency Vehicle Technician). In the past the Fleet Maintenance Contractor had not been required to have certified Emergency Vehicle Technicians.
5. The most noticeable change since April is the prompt response that we now receive from the maintenance provider when our equipment has an issue. Something that should have been happening all along. Had this service been provided proactively some of the maintenance issues that contributed to the degradation of the City's fire apparatus could have been avoided.

Firefighters continue to advocate a vehicle replacement plan and two new engines over the net two years. As Tony Clauser suggested, "Maybe the mayor needs to start suiting up when the alarms ring."

Allentown Firefighters Still Besieged by Equipment Breakdowns

From Local 302 Allentown International Association of Firefighters

1 hr · 

Second time in two days. Fourth time in a month. Rescue Engine 9 is back in a pickup truck again tonight. This is absolutely a Crisis. Call the Mayor tell him the Fire Department needs more than one new engine to fix this Crisis. They need a commitment for another engine ASAP and a true Replacement Plan going forward.

Bethlehem Has Three Ladder Trucks, Allentown Down to 0 Again

Allentown  firefighters are reporting that, once again, Pennsylvania's third largest city has no ladder trucks.Once again, they are using a pick-up truck, and have placed neighboring departments on stand-by.

A Bethlehem firefighter was at last night's meeting concerning a 78' LNG facility,and during a break,I asked him how many ladder trucks Bethlehem has. Three. All operational.

Meanwhile ... in the People's Republic of Allentown

From Local 302: Ladder Truck #1 out of service out of the city for repairs. Ladder Truck #2 Out of Service broke down on a call. Engine 11 a 75' quint acting as the Aerial truck. The City is growing and reliable fire trucks are a must. This again highlights the absolute necessity for a Replacement Plan and a new Fleet Services Contact. Call the Mayor and let him know this is unacceptable.

Cartwright Secures Grant for Palmer Tp Firefighters

Last week, US Congressman was able to secure a grant for Lower Mount Bethel's Sandt's Eddy Fire Co. This week, he's snagged another one for the Palmer Tp Municipal Fire Station. It's $57,444 for $57,444 Operations and Safety grant. The funds will allow the fire company to purchase supply and attack hoses, including 192 couplings and related equipment. These purchases will improve fire operations and fire safety and will enable them to better serve their community.

“Our nation’s firefighters are called upon day after day to protect American citizens,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “As these brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way, we must ensure they are equipped with the best tools possible to do their jobs well, and today’s grants will help meet that goal.”

Someone ought to give Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski this message.

Allentown Firefighters Using Pick-Up Truck Again

From Local 302 Allentown International Association of Firefighters: "This is a glaring indictment of Mayor Ed Pawlowski and his cronies' mismanagement of the City of Allentown.

"We have come full circle. Just 3 short weeks ago Rescue Engine 9 had to run out of a pickup truck do to the lack of a fleet replacement plan. Rescue Engine 9 is out of service again as well as the reserve Engine they changed in to. Once again our center city Rescue Engine is running out of a pickup.

"Mayor Ed Pawlowski said it was a Political Stunt and "Nonsense", he even found it humorous. He has proven he cannot handle the Public Safety Crisis Allentown is in. The citizens and Firefighters are fed up with the Mayor not taking our safety seriously.

"Once again call the Mayor's office and tell him enough is enough!"

My previous stories:

4/14: Fed Ed Has Allentown Firefighters Use Pick-Up as Engine Truck.

4/19: Allentown Ladder Truck Breaks Down Battling Blaze

4/20: O'Connell: Faulty Fire Trucks An Embarrassment to City

4/28: Another Allentown Fire Engine Breaks Down

5/4: Updated: Allentown Fire Dep't Still Running on Fumes

Cartwright Gets Homeland Security Grant For Lower Mount Bethel Firefighters

Maybe someone should ask U.S. Congressmen Matt Cartwright and Charlie Dent to team up with Allentown firefighters. Cartwright has just secured a  $118,096 Operations and Safety grant for the  Lower Mount Bethel Township Sandt’s Eddy Fire Company .

The funds will allow the fire company to purchase Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units. Each unit will include: harness/backpack, face piece, and two cylinders. This type of equipment is worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in an immediate dangerous-to-life or health atmosphere.

“Our firefighters work tirelessly every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “I will continue to support this federal program which helps to ensure safety of our communities.”

The purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Since 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $6.7 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

I wonder whether Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski ever bothered to apply.

During the current funding cycle, the AFG program will award another $310.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

Updated: Allentown Fire Dep't Still Running on Fumes

This comes directly from the Firefighters.

Local 302 Allentown International Association of Firefighters

7 mins · 

The City was without a ladder truck again last night for 2 hours. This morning the ladder truck is back out of service and the crew was operating out of a PICKUP again. Ideally the City should never be without coverage because the ladder truck crew should be able to switch into another ladder truck. Unfortunately the other ladder truck is also out of service due to major repairs. Pickup trucks should not be the replacement for fire trucks.

Contact City Hall and tell them.....The citizens of Allentown pay for and deserve around the clock safe coverage.

And at 6:30 pm: "Fire doesn't wait for replacement plans and out of service trucks. There was a working fire tonight and T2 is still out of service. Engine 11 had to act as the aerial which leaves the city with 1 fire engine left to respond to all the other responses. Good job Allentown Firefighters having to do more with less once again. This has gone on far too long, the citizens deserve better. Call City Hall and demand answers."

On scene 13th and Liberty Allentown House Fire with a Juvenile Transported to a Local Hospital.

O'Connell: Faulty Fire Trucks An Embarrassment to City

Allentown firefighters at City Council

On Friday, I told you things are so bad at Allentown Fire Department that a pick-up truck is being used as one of the six "engines" responding to fire calls. There are supposed to be two ladder trucks, but one has been taken out of service. On Monday, that remaining ladder truck broke down while smoke jumpers battled a blaze at the rear of 654 N Jordan, endangering both the laddermen and the citizens they serve.

Firefighter Keith Pierce

This problem has been going on for some time. Between 2008 and this year, Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski has slashed the operations budget by 65.52%. Last night, a group of firefighters took their concerns to a packed City Council meeting.

Arriving late, I missed the first two speakers, Jeremy Warmkessel and Adam Perreault. But I was in time to hear Keith Pierce, the safety committee liaison. He is also a rescue engine driver, hazmat team tech and tech rescue operator. He told Council that the entire reserve fleet is now on the front line.If one more vehicle breaks down, enginemen will be responding to fires in a pick up with no water and no hoses.

"In my opinion, it comes down to the fact that we don't have a fleet replacement plan," said Pierce. He added that many of the vehicles being used are 1999 vintage or earlier. "You wouldn't drive your car as much as we drive those fire engines." He said the vehicle breakdowns, combined with a force that Fed Ed has whittled down from 146 to 122, has created a safety risk

Coach Michael Kaminski

"I think it's an embarrassment to the City," responded Council President and Mayoral candidate Ray O'Connell. I think it's a slap in the face to our firefighters, who risk their lives every day.I think it's a slap in the face to the residents, who are at risk."

Controller Jeff Glazier said a new fire engine in planned in 2018, and two more are planned in 2019. But Pierce, who said that "firemen are the ultimate pragmatists," responded that these pipe dreams tend to vanish at budget time. "It's where the rubber meets the road. When those trucks back into the fire station for the first time,that's when we'll count in it."

O'Connell, who said he'd meet with Pierce any time, is concerned that a "tragedy is around the corner. ... Bottom line, it's public safety."

Daryl Hendricks, a former police captain who handled hoses himself and is Chair of the Public Safety Committee said he'd like to join in that discussion. So would Julio Guridy, chair of the Finance Committee. He called the situation "unacceptable" and "deplorable." Roger MacLean said he'sseem the reuests for equipment, and they get cut.

Public Works Director Craig Messinger agreed that "there is a need for it. ... It is a priority"

Daryl Hendricks listens as Ray O'Connell pledges
to meet with firefighters

Michael Kaminski, the well-regarded head boys' basketball coach at Harrison-Morton Middle School said that in 2009, there was a gas break right next to his house."I wouldn't have wanted to walk in that, let alone, have the guts to walk in the street, and I thank you for that,guys. It is the duty and responsibility of the people in front of me here ... and in the administration to make sure something gets done.He questioned what would happen if I fire broke out at the NIZ or the PPL building and there was no ladder truck..

Julian Kern said that, in years past when he worked as a freelancer, two trucks would respond to blazes. Now, "these engines and trucks break down constantly," including one truck that went down while responding to its first fire. He said the situation "is putting the lives of firefighters and the residents at risk." He added that the fire department, however, is "top notch. They are quick at getting on scene. They are quick at fighting the fires. I've watched them in person doing this. They are awesome.These guys deserve to have the proper staff and equipment."

Restaurateur Don Ringer asked, "I thought we were the City Without Limits, is that true? He noted that, just last week, Fed Ed claimed to have $18 million in reserve. "Why can't we use some of that money to buy a fire truck? It saddens me to see those guys, who do a helluva' job, sitting here with garbage."

Dennis Pearson, who just came from umpiring at Notre Dame, said this lack of equipment causes pressure on other communities rendering assistance.

Fed Ed, of course, was absent. He was busy blacking out Right-to-Know requests.

Allentown Ladder Truck Breaks Down Battling Blaze

On Friday, I told you things are so bad at Allentown Fire Department that a pick-up truck is being used as one of the six "engines" that respond to fire calls. There are supposed to be two ladder trucks, but one of them has been taken out of service. Between 2008 and this year, Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski has slashed the operations budget by 65.52%.

"He is setting our department up for failure," warned firefighter Jeremy Warmkessel.

On Tuesday, that failure happened.

Firefighters responded to a fire at the rear of 654 N Jordan with their one remaining ladder truck. It broke down as they battled the blaze, endangering both firefighters and the citizens they serve.

The fire vehicles are serviced by a a garage whose manager seems always to be "waiting for parts." He receives a bonus each year, determined by how much he saves the City.

Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of using defective equipment. But that is only a matter of time.

Fed Ed Has Allentown Firefighters Use Pick-Up as Engine Truck.

Allentown's firefighters are supposed to have seven engines and two ladder (aerial) trucks at the six fire stations still operating wiyhin the City. They must be available at all times to respond to calls. There should be 146 firefighters, and 17 of them should be on hand to respond to every fire with a ladder truck, three engines and an incident command vehicle. And that's the way things were before Edwin "Fed Ed" became Mayor. Under his reign, the force has shrunk from 146 to 122 firefighters. One of the ladder trucks has been taken out of service. Strangest of all, Fed Ed has the fire department using a pick-up truck as a fire engine. It's a nice truck, a GMC, but it's still just a pick-up truck. It has no water pumping capability or tank, though the bed of the truck is full of equipment that might slow down an inferno.

Jeremy Warmkessel is an Allentown firefighter who saved the life of a three-year old boy while battling a blaze in 2012. He took off his own mask and put it on the boy's face. A class act who now in President of Fire Fighters Local 302, he could keep his head down and ignore this problem, especially since the union contract is in effect until 2020. But as he put it himself, "This is a safety issue."

Though he said the department could always use more people, the real problem is a lack of resources.

He described a fire department that constantly requests new equipment, but gets the cold shoulder from Fed Ed. Even the Chief and Deputy Chief are ignored. "We have a fire chief that really cares about the guys and the city," said he said of Fire Chief Lee Laubach. But Warmkessel noted that trucks originally purchased in 1994 and 1995 are still in service."We're the only department [in the City] that doesn't even have a vehicle replacement plan," he said.

The department's operating budget has shrunk from $455,098 in 2008 to just $156,896 in 2017, a drop of 65.52%. No provision has been made for repair or maintenance supplies. The equipment on hand has decreased from $108,638 in 2008 to just $23,396 this year.  Only $35,000 is allotted to train 122 firefighters. A scant $3,500 is set aside to purchase chemicals that are often more important than water in extinguishing a fire.

"He is setting our department up for failure," said Warmkessel of Fed Ed.

Fortunately for Allentown residents, firefighter response time is still the same  But how long can things stay that way? Doesn't it make sense to have firefighters respond to a fire with an engine instead of a pick up truck? "The person whose home we're coming to would like it," said Warmkessel. "If you need us, you want us there and you want us there quickly."

Maybe Fed Ed plans to put out fires by praying.

Arbitrator Awards Bethlehem Firefighters Contract

Bethlehem firefighters have a new contract, thanks to a binding arbitration. Their contract with the City expired on December 31, 2014, and union members voted down an agreement that is nearly identical to one negotiated with the police. According to City officials, the award is nearly the same as it offered in April.

The highlights of the award include:

1. Three year term: January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017.
2. A 3% wage increase in January of each year.
3. A $200 increase to the maximum paid for longevity.
4. Increased monthly employee contribution for health care to 6% (2017) of the COBRA rate, with limits on yearly escalation.
5. Deductibles on Health Care expenses. (Annual Individual $500 and family $1,000 in 2017)
6. An increase in the co-pays for prescription drugs.
The award is nearly identical to the terms of the tentative agreement of April 29, 2015 presented to the IAFF. It is also nearly identical to the terms of the negotiated settlement between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police Star Lodge 20 in April of 2015.

“Our labor agreements are essential management tools by which we manage our operations,” Mayor Bob Donchez said. “We feel that we have dealt with our employees in an equitable manner from the start of negotiations, a fact supported by this award.”

This agreement affects 108 firefighters in a City with three unions - Police, Fire and SEIU. There are also 120 non-union employees.

“I am pleased that this process is now complete, and the City is anxious to continue to provide services to the citizens of Bethlehem,” reported Mayor Donchez.

Bethlehem Firefighters Regain Bragging Rights in Patriot Day Softball Game

Patriot Day is a sad day for many people, especially first responders. But Bethlehem's police and firefighters have an unusual and particularly American way of remembering the 9/11 tragedy. They play ball. Life goes on. After a prayer in remembrance of the nearly three thousand lives lost to terrorists on 9/11/01, police and firefighters square off for an annual softball game.

RJ Guering, a power hitter who can turn a double play.

Though firefighters had won this contest for seven years in a row, Bethlehem police pulled off an upset last year. Could they do it again?

That seemed likely at the beginning of the game. After one inning, police were ahead 3-0, scoring three runs off five singles and a walk. Their secret was speed, both offensively and defensively.  But that changed in the second inning, when R.J. Guering turned a double play and firefighters began blasting away. The game was suddenly tied.

In the third, firefighters added two more runs, thanks to a 320' raging bull by Jeff Stiffinella that still has not landed.

Officer Jim Smith takes mighty rip. 

"We got 'em right where we want 'em," joked police officer James Smith, who caught during the seven-inning game. He was right. Police scored two runs to tie the game in the fourth, and added another run in the seventh to give them a one-run lead.

But it would not last. With bases loaded, Jimmy Delgrosso hit a sharp single to send the runner on third home. Stiffinella, who had been on second, rounded the corner on third and scored, going for the win.

Firefighters won the game, but it was something of a Pyrrhic victory. Raven, George and Pharoah - the horses who make up the mounted police force - had already stolen the show as kids flocked to them..

This year, Homes for Heroes supplied all the food and even provided a $500 check to be split between the two departments.

Officer Stephanie Molnar waits for her pitch.

Pharoah, Raven and George were the real stars of the day. 

Sam Royer's Homes for Heroes supplied $500 check and some of the best food I've had in some time.

This shot is blurred, but is Stiffinella's HR hit. 

Bethlehem Firefighter Honored For 37 years of Service

Paul Harvilla with Chief Robert Novatnack

Paul Harvilla was honored by Bethlehem City Council on June 17 for 37 years of dedicated service as a firefighter. In his career, he's been enveloped by fireballs caused by gas leaks and has suffered smoke inhalation while battling blazes. In a February fire, in which an Itaska Street woman woke up to find her home on fire, she made it to the roof, where Harvilla snapped his ankle while assisting in her rescue. A quiet man, the now retired firefighter just thanked everyone. He was given a standing ovation.

As he made his way out, Fire Chief Robert Novatnack caught up to him in the hallway. "I wish I had 100 more guys like him," the Chief said. "He came to work every day and did his job."

Harvilla, a 1972 graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School as well as Northampton Community College, explained that firefighters today receive more certifications and training than they did when he first started. "Years ago, the City would teach you," he explained.

Bethlehem: Firefighters Douse Police 18-6 in 9/11 Softball Game

For 7th year straight, firefighters top police in 9/11 Softball Game

Bethlehem's police and firefighters remember the 9/11 tragedy in the best way possible, with an annual softball game under the lights at Saucon Park Fields. It's a message that life goes on. Before this year's game, they joined in prayer for the nearly three thousand lives lost to terrorists on 9/11/01. After that, it was Play Ball!

This year, for the 7th year in a row, it was the firefighters who walked away with the trophy after an 18-6 drubbing. "That's cuz' we're always working and they have all the time in the world," explained Officer Bill Asdelo. But firefighter and union president Dave Saltzer had another another answer. "They eat too many doughnuts," he said of Bethlehem police. "You have to leave WaWa," he told Asdelo.

Although the game was tied one apiece at the end of the first, firefighters added eight runs more in the second. Police had some brilliant fielding, especially with Officer Kevin Spano in center field. But they lacked the power hitting that came from every firefighter in the lineup. Though nobody sent one over the fence, several came close.

Down in runs, police definitely won in the wisecrack department.

"There's no shame in bunting." the bench shouted as police were down 9-2.

After the third, when firefighters extended their lead by 9 runs, police could be heard saying, "We're luring them in. We got them just where we want them now."

After the 4th, with firefighters leading 13-3, the police bench started groaning.

"I can't believe that out of 150 guys, we have no ball players."

Some of them tried changing shoes, but it was no use.

"Every one of them a college graduate, and not one of them a ball player," the police bench complained as firefighters extended their lead even more.

Finally, in desperation, there were cries of "Let the ball hit you" as the game neared its end.

"I'm not a baseball player, I'm a rugby player," announced one cop as the game ended.

After the game was over, firefighters challenged young Christian Jacob Hackett to take them on. He homered, to his father's delight.

The game was officiated by former Liberty High School softball standout Danielle Jones, who threw at least one firefighter out of the game for arguing a call. "Yes, ma'm," a bulky firefighter said as he towered over her.

Christian Jacob Hackett, son of Officer Ben Hackett, hit a home run for his Dad

Firefighters remained ready to respond to an emergency

In addition to providing colorful excuses, Officer  Bill Asdelo is a Big Brother to Omar Cabassa, age 13

Power hitting by Matt "Bubba" Seyfried

Police infield got a workout

Pink Heals Tour in Lehigh Valley This Weekend

If you see a pink fire truck on a Lehigh Valley Street this weekend, it's not your imagination. The "Pink Heals Tour" will be here to raise awareness and money for local people battling cancer, with a special focus on women. According to founder Dave Graybill, "We focus our labor of love on the women of this country and wage war on anything that may harm her starting with cancer!"

Pink firetrucks will visit St. Luke's Anderson campus in Bethlehem Township between noon and 3 PM on Saturday. Nancy Run Fire Company's Safety Officer, Bill Andress, states that there will be numerous other activities going on as well, from face-painting to clowns.

Here's the complete schedule:

Saturday, 8/24:

Applebees, Rte 191, Bethlehem, 8 AM - 10 AM, $7 flapjack breakfast.

St. Luke's Anderson Campus, Freemansburg Ave, Bethlehem, Noon to 3 PM

Keystone Pub, Easton Ave, Bethlehem, 5 PM - 7 PM

Sunday, 825:

Nazareth Borough Park, Noon - 5 PM

Are Bangor's Three Fire Companies Under Scrutiny?

TV reception must really be bad in the Slate Belt. Over fifty people poured into the Beehive Community Center, where Bangor Borough conducts its monthly meetings. I was sure these must be trade union dudes, sent by Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski's union "consultant" Mike Fleck, to support the Queen City's s Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). But I was wrong.

They were volunteer firefighters.

Bangor's got 90 of them, divided among three different companies. Representatives of this trinity - Second Ward, Rescue and Liberty - gave impassioned pleas to Borough Council, imploring them to consider no action against the Chief (Bob Owens) and Assistant Chief (Ron LaBar). They even brought in Mike Goffredo, Roseto's fire chief, to say, "We stand together as a brotherhood."

This confused the hell out of Council member Harry Wyant. "Not one time at any meeting I've been to has anyone talked of replacing the fire chief," he said.

But another Council member, Bonnie LaBar, assured everyone that some kind of action is being considered by someone.  She stood up and led everyone in a round of applause after the firemen were finished speaking.

Incidentally, Bonnie just happens to be the wife of the Assistant Chief Ron LaBar.

No conflict there.

Council President Catherine Allen, clearly uncomfortable, quietly stated they would discuss the matter later

In March, a fire at Century House led to the death of a 72 year-old man, and all kinds of rumors are circulating about the way it was handled. Some say the firefighters were at their best, rushing into the burning building. But there are other stories. A police officer was commended for rescuing some elderly residents, but no firefighters.

Where there's smoke is there fire? Is this idle gossip, or is something going on?