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My 2 cents. Fact - each vehicle that leaves on a call is counted as a seperate run. Thats how Warwick got another Battalion chief. The requirment for battalion chiefs is directly related to the number of runs. This past Wed. night 6 pm. 1 rescue, 3 trucks, 1 ladder truck, and the battalion chief dispatched to Royal Crest apartments on Centerville Rd. 4 trucks and the battalion chief arrive and leave within 5 minutes, rescue stays and removes an individual that walked into the rescue. It begs the question, maybe we have the need for more information prior to releasing vehicles. Fact, 6 months ago the Fire Dept purchased a new compressor for scott air packs and scuba tanks. $49,000. 80 % grant. It was proposed as a 100% grant by Councilman Gallucci. Taxpayer on the hook for 10G's. Did we need it? We already have one in the West Shore Rd. Station. Just wondering. The same identical machine could have been purchased from a MA dealler for $22,000. with 2 year warantee. The point is that we are spending like drunken sailors. Lets look at the fire dept. contractual perks. 24 vacation days (6 weeks) 20 sick days, 14 paid holidays (can anyone name 14 real holidays?) 3 personal days, $850 for uniform allowance, $350 for laundry allowance. That bill amounts to 6.4 million, before anyone is on the clock. Its simply outrageous. Sick pay buy back bonus' should be criminal. Gold plated heathcare plan. The plan co pays (doctor visits, xrays, MRI's ect, havent changed since July 1, 1989. I have the contract in front of me and will gladly e-mail it. Now lets look at another fact. (per Oscar Shelton personell director) Between police and fire. 178 individuals collecting disability. One noted cop was showcased on channel 12 disabled but teaching scuba diving, no reprecussions. As can be heard on the city web site in the 2011 budget audio section 3. Oscar was asked if he felt that there was abuse of the disability system. He states he feels that " no less than 40% of the claims are fraudulant but we cant afford to litigate them. Listen to the tapes on line. Also, why do fire inspectors take the city cars home to Burriville?? Vehicle abuse is rampant in Warwick.

Now lets talk about the numbers of FD personell that have side jobs that are construction / high risk related. How many?? Lots. How about the one individual Mr. P%$^ham who bids on state construction work? Under bids everyone, employes firemen, doesnt pay insurance. These are facts and unfortunately, we all appreciate the work the FD does. But in recognizing that, we have to be honest and recognize that there is an enourmous amount of waste and abuse that simply is not tolerated in the private sector.

The real problem is this "holy-er than thou attitude. It is not my pension or heathcare plan, nor is it Mr. Cushmans. So why dont we see representatives of the dept. asking the questions? This is not the time to bury the head in the sand. Thats what happened in Central Falls. My suggestion is for the benificiarys of these perks to do some real research not only to protect themselves, but also to protect the taxpayer. "Serve and protect" right??

From: Mayor touts city's financial position

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