LETTER DeStefano disrespects firefighters again

Letter to the Editor February 24, 2002

In a move that surpassed even the usual indifference displayed by Mayor John DeStefano Jr. toward the New Haven Fire Department, his honor made his biannual 10-minute visit to fire headquarters on Feb. 12. He stayed long enough to nominate a convicted criminal to head the Fire Commission, climbed into his SUV, and sped off.

One of the first orders of business for the new boss will be to sit in judgment of two firefighters who may be charged with computer crimes against the city and its firefighters. Perhaps the mayor figures it takes one to know one. Regardless, promoting a man who robbed a funeral home in the same room as Commissioner William Celentano, an Elm City funeral director whose long and dedicated service to both New Haven and the Fire Department are without question, certainly gives felons throughout the area hope. How can a prospective firefighter with a felony be turned away for employment if he echoes the mayor's sentiment toward Boise Kimber's past indiscretions? "But Mr. Mayor, how can I be turned down for this job? Why can't I be judged on the job that I do, instead of the prison time I did?" Three years ago, when six firefighters were killed in Worcester, Mass., his honor promised personal alarms to aid in the rescue of trapped firefighters. We still have none. But we will have Snoopy appearing on a fire hydrant near you. Close enough. John F. Hines Branford Editor's note: John F. Hines is a New Haven firefighter with Truck Company 1, Division 2.

©New Haven Register 2002