The New Haven Firebird Society, a fraternal group of black firefighters, endorsed Shirley Ellis-West, D-12, in the upcoming primary election.
The executive board of Local 825, the fire union, had endorsed her opponent, retired police Capt.
Gerald Antunes.
Firefighter Wayne Ricks, president of the Firebirds, said Ellis-West was very supportive of minority issues in the department and earned their vote.
Ellis-West was outspoken at public hearings last year over two promotional tests that ultimately were thrown out.
City Hall and the Firebirds wanted the tests thrown out because few minorities scored at the top of the list.
"Shirley Ellis-West was so outspoken for diversity. We know that was a hot topic, and it separated us in the fire department," said Battalion Chief Anthony Calloway.
Historically, endorsements from the fire, police and other city unions have come from the elected executive board and not the rank-and-file. It’s not unusual for fraternal groups inside the unions to give their own endorsement.
Even so, Ricks and other Firebirds said they wished the union had taken the endorsement issue to the full body to get more input.
While Ellis-West said she was disappointed not to be endorsed by the police and fire unions, she was gratified to get the support of the Firebirds.
"The fire union got very upset with me about being outspoken about the civil service testing," she said.
"I really work hard in the neighborhood."
Firefighter Patrick Egan, the union president, renewed support for Antunes, noting his background in public safety.
He said the union’s opposition to Ellis-West had nothing to do with the civil service tests. Rather, he said, it was her supporting jobs cuts from the fire academy and fire marshal’s office and her perceived lack of support when the department was considering closing the local firehouse.
Abe Colon, the department’s EMS supervisor, said four of the five proposed job cuts were held by minorities, including one who was a Firebird member.
William Kaempffer can be reached at wkaempffer@nhregister.comor 789-5727.
İNew Haven Register 2006