Hartford Ct Fire chief cracking down on firefighters volunteering in their hometown.

[Kavsuvb]

Can you imagine a paid Fire dept, cracking down on firefighters who volunteer in the hometown they live in. This also Impacts firefighters who also have EMT licenses who vol with Vol EMS squads.

Hartford Fire Department move could limit fire protection in the area

Should paid firefighters be allowed to volunteer with other departments in their free time? State law has said yes, but the Hartford fire chief has issued his firefighters an ultimatum that could limit firefighting in communities that rely on volunteers. Hartford Fire Chief Rodney Barco sent out...

www.nbcconnecticut.com

 

[DrParasite]

This is not news... many unions also don't want two hatters. It looks like the union has a rule against being a volunteer off hours, while the city has a rule prohibiting working side jobs, except when you are written approval of the fire chief.

The city policy also says: "All city employees in these departments who obtain such work shall register with the Chief of the department and shall be subject to call to 24 hours a day.” So if you are working your side job, you must be willing to leave it as a moments notice. hopefully your side job doesn't include watching your kids... or working in healthcare... or teaching students... or waiting tables... or any job where others rely on you...

 

[PotatoMedic]

This is not news... many unions also don't want two hatters. It looks like the union has a rule against being a volunteer off hours, while the city has a rule prohibiting working side jobs, except when you are written approval of the fire chief.

The city policy also says: "All city employees in these departments who obtain such work shall register with the Chief of the department and shall be subject to call to 24 hours a day.” So if you are working your side job, you must be willing to leave it as a moments notice. hopefully your side job doesn't include watching your kids... or working in healthcare... or teaching students... or waiting tables... or any job where others rely on you...

I can't tell you how many times I've denied my supervisors attempt to mandate me into work because I ask if they are going to watch my kids while I work.

 

[Kavsuvb]

Here's an update on the story. It seems like the Hartford Fire chief was doing this because one of their own died while helping put out a forest fire. Also the state put a law banning paid fire chiefs from ordering their members not to volunteer with vol fire depts on their off time.

Hartford Fire Department puts controversial policy on hold

A change in course by the Hartford Fire Department. We revealed a new policy issued this week that required Hartford firefighters to quit any outside employment or face termination – with just four days notice. NBC Connecticut Investigates, however, pointed out that this was in violation of...

www.nbcconnecticut.com