LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
DEPARTMENTS
Protecting all lives first, then property, is a responsibility of the fire service and just plain common sense
Many Philadelphians agree with your editorial “Bravo, Commissioner Richmond” (FIRE ENGINEERING, June 1985). It was accurately aimed at the heart of the MOVE matter.
The strategy of placing lives over property seems rooted in logic and common sense. Unfortunately, rational thinking and good judgement are not requirements of having an opinion or being a critic.
Lastly, if critics, news reporters, and politicians treated their stories and constituents like Commissioner Richmond treats his profession and his firefighters, there would be a decrease in sensationalism and a noticeable increase in objectivity.
Bill Shouldis
Captain Philadelphia Fire Department Philadelphia, PA
I can’t tell you how good your editorial in the June 1985 issue of FIRE ENGINEERING made me feel. The reason being that yours is a respected trade journal that has widespread fire service dissemination and this is a subject that is likely to confront other firefighters. I have had some down moments following the MOVE confrontation due primarily to criticism from those who do not or will not understand basic firefighting precepts.
I am sure you will agree that the first question any fireground commander asks is, “Are the people out?” In this instance, the answer was “yes” and our life safety considerations were firefighters, police officers, and MOVE members. Like all firefighters, I grieve the loss of the four MOVE children. It was never anyone’s intention to bring harm to them, but in my view, uncaring adults condemned these children to their fate.
One major point that has been overlooked in the retelling of events is the fact that two people safely exited the house some two hours after the device was dropped and the subsequent fire ensued. In addition, one of the escapees was quoted as saying that she did not know why the others did not follow her out.
I have never taken the loss of property lightly and have many times in my career commiserated with those who have lost their every possession. The day that I do not is the day I will quit this profession.
The two major problems deterring us from containing this fire were:
- As you stated, my decision not to submit firefighters to hostile gunfire.
- That when water was placed on the fire, it caused smoke and steam to bank down into the street, obscuring the visibility of our police stake-out teams, jeopardizing their safety.
In delaying an aggressive fire attack, for these reasons, the fire compounded itseif. The final containment was, in my professional opinion, nothing short of heroic and I made it a point to let my men know this.
The MOVE confrontation was a case where some very, very hard decisions had to be made and to paraphrase General MacArthur, “I did my duty as God gave me the light to see that duty.”
William C. Richmond
Fire Commissioner Philadelphia Fire Department Philadelphia, PA
I had the opportunity to read the editor’s opinion, “Bravo, Commissioner Richmond,” in FIRE ENGINEERING’S June 1985 issue.
My sincere thanks for your support and kind words of Commissioner Richmond and the Philadelphia firefighters. The MOVE incident was a very tragic event in the history of Philadelphia, mostly due to the death of the innocent children who MOVE adults chose to sacrifice.
I, too, feel that the decisions made by Commissioner Richmond on May 13 were the right decisions. It was his responsibility to protect the lives of his firefighters who are expected to save lives and property—but not under gunfire.
I thank you again for your comments, because, you see, my husband is a firefighter, and I am very proud of him and all the brave men that share his title. My heart goes out to Mrs. Ramp, the wife of the firefighter who died of gunshot wounds in the previous MOVE confrontation in Philadelphia, “lest we forget.”
Karen Boyle
Philadelphia, PA
Keeping track of on-scene firefighters
Paul McFadden’s comments in the Volunteers Corner of the May 1985 issue were long overdue, and I enthusiastically applaud his remarks.
In volunteer fire departments, it has been called “almost impossible” to keep track of members at the scene of an emergency. Unfortunately, this attitude can and has had fatal results. One suggestion that can be applied to Mr. McFadden’s comments is that each position on the apparatus have either a hook or velcro strip where the member can place his attendance device. This eliminates the need for having to find a central location for all attendance devices. For example, if riding in the jumpseat, simply place your tag in the position at that jumpseat. This should also include officers and drivers.
In the case of volunteer departments whose members report to the scene in their own vehicles, the first-due apparatus should have an area assigned for the placement of those members’ tags. This way, those members too will be kept track of.
It is refreshing to start seeing safety orientated ideas coming to light. We in the fire service are starting to get our priorities in line—and our number one priority is our people.
Billy Goldfeder
Division Chief Department of Emergency Services and Assistant Fire Chief Braden River Fire District Bradenton, FL
Extinguishment first; funds collection second
I recently read your May 1985 editorial “I’d Probably Put the Fire Out.” The article was good except for the title. It should have been “I’d Put the Fire Out if at All Possible.”
I am the fire chief of a small department, which covers two schools, some businesses, churches, and approximately 650 homes. We operate on dues paid by the home owners on a yearly basis of $20 per home or building. The rest of our money comes from fund raising projects, etc.
Getting to the problem at hand, I cannot believe that any true volunteer fire department would stand by and let someone’s property, property that has probably been worked long and hard for, be destroyed by hardheadedness.
The gasoline had already been used to respond to the call, the equipment and water was there, the fire should have been extinguished if at all possible. After the property had been saved, other avenues should have been pursued to collect for services rendered.
We always respond to all calls and only ask after the fire is out if the property owners have paid their fire department dues.
I will admit that it is hard to operate with so few participants involved, but if one’s house or life can be saved, it is well worth all our efforts as volunteers.
Robert B. Williams, Sr.
Fire Chief Seale Volunteer Fire Department Seale, AL
