President Walt Stevens

November 16th 2009 The City of Fort Myers welcomed their newest Mayor into office today with the official swearing in ceremony conducted at this afternoons Fort Myers City Council meeting.

At the conclusion of the event Fort Myers Mayor Randall “Randy” Henderson, City Manager William “Billy” Mitchell, and the Fort Myers City Council hopped on board a City of Fort Myers Fire Department Engine and Tower Ladder that were SHUT DOWN and PURPOSELY TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE in addition to the other units already closed and shut down due to “supposed” budget cuts.

Available for members of the general public was a large commercial passenger van but the City Officials felt it necessary to further reduce public safety and poke fun at the Firefighters who were staging a protest picketing the “Welcome the New Mayor” event being held at the Harborside Events Center in the River District of the City of Fort Myers as a result of recent fire department cutbacks and layoffs.

The City Officials chose to layoff Firefighters, reduce engine and truck company staffing below NFPA 1710, close two RESCUES and one LADDER, in addition to reducing daily staffing from 33 Firefighters to 21 Firefighters per 24 tour of operation.

Firefighters chose this venue and time since all who made the decisions to reduce public safety were in attendance at the event in addition to other local dignitaries.

THANK YOU !!! to all Firefighters, Paramedics, and Supporters in attendance at this evenings event from IAFF Local 1826, IAFF Local 3444, and IAFF Local 2297.

City of Fort Myers Mayor Randall “Randy” Henderson – Mr. Mayor Do the Right Thing for the Residents of Fort Myers “ReHire The Fire”

Return to the “Rehire the Fire” “Save Fort Myers Fire” Homepage

Become a Fan & Follow Us on FACEBOOK.com/RehireTheFire

ReHire The Fire at Fort Myers City Tavern

November 7th, 2009 – City of Fort Myers Firefighters, Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters and Paramedics IAFF Local 1826 Inc., Rehire The Fire, and SaveFortMyersFire.com wish to publicly thank all those who attended our informational event at City Tavern on Friday November 6th, 2009.

We are grateful indeed for the high measure of support and understanding which you have and continue to provide. The evening could not have been made possible without the support of City Tavern, Dickson Hunley, and his crew.  We must also recognize and thank the many members of the local news media who attended our rally from the Fort Myers News Press, Gulf Coast Metromix, Waterman Broadcasting NBC-2, and Wink News.

ReHire The Fire distributed over 500 informational handouts and secured 240 petitions from people enjoying what the Fort Myers River District has to offer.  A monumental sign of support was shown by Karen Flanders.  Karen is the wife of Ward 4 Councilman Michael Flanders.

Click to View Larger Original

After spending an evening at the Edison Ford Winter Estates Gala, Michael and Karen took a stroll through the Fort Myers River District and stopped by the ReHire The Fire rally at Fort Myers City Tavern.  Karen asked questions and was provided factual information. She recognized the importance of public safety in the City of Fort Myers and signed a petition to restore the cuts to the City of Fort Myers Fire Department approved by the Fort Myers Mayor, Fort Myers City Council, and the Fort Myers City Manager.

Karen … with gratitude we acknowledge the message you send as a City of Fort Myers resident and public figure of leadership.  We thank you for the tribute you have paid in support of our cause.  Your leadership ability to stand up against cuts to public safety to ensure the protection of Residents, Employees, Businesses, Patrons, and Firefighters of the City of Fort Myers is exemplary.

Return to the “Rehire the Fire” “Save Fort Myers Fire” Homepage

Become a Fan & Follow Us on FACEBOOK.com/RehireTheFire

In conjunction with the swearing in of the new City of Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, we will be having an informational picket on November 16, 2009 to “ReHireTheFire” and restore other cuts made to the level of emergency services in the City of Fort Myers Fire Department.

RSVP TO ATTEND HERE NOW !!!

The newly elected City of Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson will be having his gathering at Harborside Convention & Events Center, located at 1375 Monroe Street, Fort Myers FL 33901.

This event will begin after the scheduled City of Fort Myers City Council meeting which starts at 4:30pm.  “ReHireTheFire” and IAFF Local 1826 will be having our own type of meet and greet, “BLACK and GOLD.” I am asking for your help in providing a strong show on this occasion. Mayor Henderson is one that CHOSE to layoff firefighters as a councilman. Let’s provide him a warm welcome into his new position.

All participants should park in the parking lot of the Harborside Convention & Events Center, or in the surrounding parking near 1375 Monroe Street, Fort Myers FL 33901.

We would ask that participants arrive no later than 5:30pm but it would be greatly appreciated if you can arrive even earlier around 4:30pm so we can line the parade route from City Hall over to the Convention Center.

On behalf of the IAFF Local 1826 Principal Officers we would like to thank each of you for your continued support and look forward to your participation.

Walt Stevens
President, IAFF Local 1826
Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters & Paramedics
walt@local1826.com

The following information is being distributed in response to the letter of MYTH’s that City of Fort Myers City Manager William Mitchell is distributing out to members of the public in response to budget cuts made to the City of Fort Myers Fire Department.

Click here to view the letter.

City of Fort Myers Fire Department MYTH’s from City Manager William Mitchell Page 1 of 4

MYTH – The recent economic downturn and subsequent decline in property values throughout the area, has forced the City of Fort Myers to make significant cuts in all City Departments.

FACT – The City of Fort Myers City Council, Fort Myers Mayor, and Fort Myers City Managers allocated themselves a sizable amount of SLUSH MONEY to spend on any SPECIAL projects within their ward.  The City of Fort Myers needs to renegotiate the amount of money they are paying vendors to rent space at city park facilities.  The city is paying rates much higher than present commercial and CAM rental rates that have fallen significantly due to the recent economic downturn.  Why is the City paying out higher than normal rents, pursuing special interest and pork barrel spending before they fully fund City of Fort Myers Fire and Police services?

MYTH – As a result, the City has eliminated 21 Firefighter positions. While there is an impact on its operations the Fire Department is making the necessary adjustments to maintain, dependable, quality services.

FACT – Fort Myers City Manager William Mitchell publicly admits in his statement that the ability of the City of Fort Myers Fire Department to respond, operate, protect property, and save lives has been reduced.  The City of Fort Myers Fire Department cannot maintain dependable, quality services as referred to by the city manager by understaffing Engine Companies, grossly understaffing Truck/Ladder Companies, closing Rescue 11, Rescue 13 and Ladder 12, and implementing daily rotating company brownouts.

MYTH – Fort Myers City Manager William Mitchell states though there is a reduction in staffing, all six fire stations remain staffed with at least a fire engine and three Firefighters to maintain coverage throughout the City.

FACT – The International City Managers Association produced a book known as Managing Fire Services 2nd Edition.  Through this City Managers guide to managing fire departments it proved through scientific and practical studies that by reducing Fire Company crew sizes from four to three reduced their effectiveness from 65% to 38% causing you to ask yourself, how safe is your Family?  Are they worth more than 38% effectiveness?

An Austin, TX Fire Department study concluded that reduced staffing means “A higher risk for victims due to delays (that’s you).” The study also showed that when crews were reduced to 3 firefighters the result has been increased use of sick leave due to stress, doubling of the overtime budget, and a complete loss of morale.

The International Association of Fire Chief’s own documentation warns about the reduction of Firefighters per company and acknowledges that staffing levels on companies has already reached dangerously low levels.  They further proclaim “To accept or support further reductions in Firefighter staffing is inappropriate.” The IAFC also recommends that the minimum Firefighters should be five Firefighters per company.  The National Fire Protection Association, U.S. Fire Academy, the International City Management Association, Metropolitan Fire Chief’s, FEMA, OSHA, John Hopkins University, Ontario Fire Marshal study and fire departments from around the country including Austin TX, Columbus OH, Dallas TX, Providence RI and Seattle WA are of the opinion that 4 firefighters per engine company and ladder/truck company is minimum.

City of Fort Myers Fire Department MYTH’s from City Manager William Mitchell Page 2 of 4

MYTH – Fort Myers City Manager William Mitchell states that efforts are also being made to increase the availability of all staffed fire units through the use of priority dispatch. The new priority dispatching system improves efficiency by determining the severity of a medical emergency during the call taking process and sending the appropriate resources.  Minor incidents that the Fire Department once sent a fire truck in addition to the Lee County Emergency Medical Unit now are handled only by the emergency medical unit.

FACT – Lee County Fire Chief’s Association President William “Bud” Elliot Fire Chief with the Iona McGregor Fire District Fire stated on November 1st, 2009 in a News Press article that even with the advent of medical priority dispatch “fire stations and fire companies still must meet minimum staffing levels should a fire occur.”  The Medical Priority Dispatch in no way advocates or justifies understaffing Engine Companies, or closing fire companies.  In 2008 Rescue 11, Rescue 13 and Ladder 12 covered close to 5250 requests for assistance.  Who covers these calls now in addition to the other 13,000 requests for assistance the City of Fort Myers Fire Department responds to on an annual basis?

The medical priority dispatch system is primarily designed to help emergency dispatchers move smoothly through Case Entry and Key Questioning when taking 911 calls.  This system only works if the caller knows exactly what is going wrong with the patient and on a regular basis callers usually provide poor quality information due to stress and have the expectation that both a Paramedic Fire Engine and Paramedic Ambulance will arrive within minutes.

The true goal of this system is to allow an overtaxed Lee County EMS system without enough ambulances to integrate Basic Life Support Care Ambulances into the EMS system decreasing the quality of care to the City of Fort Myers.  No other metropolitan FIRE/EMS agency in South and Southwest Florida use BLS ambulances.

MYTH – City Manager William Mitchell states that the City of Fort Myers Fire Department has also increased the number of units dispatched to a fire scene. Having the necessary number of Firefighters at a fire scene is essential to effective and safe operations.  Additional responding units provide the necessary staffing to perform the required tasks.

FACT – Sending more Fire Engines does not make up for inadequately understaffed Fire Engines.  The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health a division of the Federal Governments Centers for Disease Control, completed several studies in Houston TX regarding the deaths of four firefighters between 2000 and 2005.

NIOSH concluded that understaffed fire apparatus on the fire ground was a leading cause of death to the FOUR Houston Firefighters. In addition proper company staffing is necessary to perform “FIREFIGHTER RESCUE,” and “RAPID INTERVENTION” if a firefighter is lost, trapped, missing, out of air, or suffers some other emergency.  Unfortunately it took the deaths of FOUR Houston Firefighters to convince the city to return to four firefighter engine and ladder/truck companies.

City of Fort Myers Fire Department MYTH’s from City Manager William Mitchell Page 3 of 4

MYTH – The Fort Myers City Manager states mutual aid from other fire departments may also be requested to supplement City resources as necessary.

FACT – Presently if there was a house fire in the City of Fort Myers it would require the response of five understaffed Engine Companies, one understaffed Ladder/Truck Company, and the Battalion Chief.  This effectively leaves only one understaffed Engine Company to cover the rest of the City of Fort Myers.

Other Lee County area fire departments are running short already.  How long will it take and how many calls will be missed while a task force of five engine companies are moved in to cover the City of Fort Myers during a house fire.  What happens if you have an emergency at your home during this time and help is UNAVAILABLE?

MYTH – City Manager Mitchell states that the Fire Department is currently installing mobile data computers in all fire units to improve communications and provide vital information about the emergency scene. These computers will also be equipped with GPS, allowing dispatchers to send the closest unit, which will improve response times. These changes increase Fire Department efficiency and limit the impact on response time to no more than a minute and a half on days when the Fire Department staffing is at its lowest due to employee use of leave time.

FACT – The mobile data computers presently being installed in the fire units provide the street address, cross streets, and come equipped with a mapping feature allowing units to locate the call using the computer.  This information has already been provided to date over the radio by a dispatcher and via a map book in the fire units.

The GPS on the fire units does pin point their exact locations but the same units are going to be responding from the same firehouses throughout the city.  This is why the fire units are already strategically placed throughout the city.  To date there has been no manpower or GIS deployment study completed to provide factual data to back up the City Managers claim that the impact on response time will be no more than a minute and a half.

According to the American Heart Association every minute that passes before defibrillation in a cardiac arrest reduces survival rates by 7 – 10 percent.  According to the City of Fort Myers City Manager this is acceptable to your loved ones survival.  Do you agree?  We do not!

MYTH – Fort Myers City Manager William Mitchell states “I can assure you the Fort Myers Fire Department will continue to provide effective fire and emergency services to the citizens of Fort Myers.

FACT – City Manager Mitchell stated there is a negative impact on the operations of the City of Fort Myers Fire Department based on present cuts to manpower, layoff’s, and closed units.

City of Fort Myers Fire Department MYTH’s from City Manager William Mitchell Page 4 of 4

Based upon these FACT’s and MYTH’s will the City of Fort Myers Fire Department be able to respond adequately to your emergency?  We encourage you to contact the City Mayor’s Office, and members of the City Council.  Ask these officials to restore the City of Fort Myers Fire Department to its prior safe staffing levels by restoring the laid off Firefighters to ensure the safety of all who live, work, visit and travel through the City of Fort Myers.

• Mayor Jim Humphrey
  Phone: 239-321-7020
  Email: mayorhumphrey@cityftmyers.com
  
• Ward 1 Politician Warren Wright
  Phone: 239-321-7001
  Email: councilmanwright@cityftmyers.com
  
• Ward 2 Politician Johnny W. Streets Jr.
  Phone: 239-321-7002
  Email: councilmanstreets@cityftmyers.com
  
• Ward 3 Politician Levon Simms
  Phone: 239-321-7003
  Email: councilmansimms@cityftmyers.com
  
• Ward 4 Politician Michael Flanders
  Phone: 239-321-7004
  Email: councilmanflanders@cityftmyers.com
  
• Ward 5 Politician Randy Henderson (Mayor Elect)
  Phone: 239-321-7005
  Email: councilmanhenderson@cityftmyers.com
  
• Ward 6 Politician Tom Leonardo
  Phone: 239-321-7006
  Email: tleonardo@cityftmyers.com

Walt Stevens
President
Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters & Paramedics L-1826, IAFF, Inc.

City of Fort Myers “Who are You Going to Call to Rehire The Fire”

Return to the “Rehire the Fire” “Save Fort Myers Fire” Homepage

Become a Fan & Follow Us on FACEBOOK.com/RehireTheFire

Click here to view our response.

October 29, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

Members of City Council have referred your correspondence to me pertaining to the layoff of City Firefighters and its impact on the Fire Department’s response capability and ability to protect the citizens of the City of Fort Myers.  Of course I also received a copy of your correspondence.

The recent economic downturn and subsequent decline in property values throughout the area, has forced the City of Fort Myers to make significant cuts in all City departments. As a result, the City has eliminated 21 Firefighter positions. While there is an impact on its operations, the Fire Department is making the necessary adjustments to maintain, dependable, quality services.

Though there is a reduction in staffing, all six fire stations remain staffed with at least a fire engine and three Firefighters to maintain coverage throughout the City. Efforts are also being made to increase the availability of all staffed fire units through the use of priority dispatching. The new priority dispatching system improves efficiency by determining the severity of a medical emergency during the call taking process and sending the appropriate resources. Minor incidents that the Fire Department once sent a fire truck in addition to the Lee County Emergency Medical Unit now are handled only by the emergency medical unit.

The Fire Department has also increased the number of units dispatched to a fire scene. Having the necessary number of Firefighters at a fire scene is essential to effective and safe operations. Additional responding units provide the necessary staffing to perform the required tasks. Mutual aid from other fire departments may also be requested to supplement City resources as necessary.

The Fire Department is currently installing mobile data computers in all fire units to improve communications and provide vital information about the emergency scene. These computers will also be equipped with GPS, allowing dispatchers to send the closest unit which will improve response times. These changes increase Fire Department efficiency and limit the impact on response time to no more than a minute and a half on days when the Fire Department staffing is at its lowest due to employee use of leave time.  Response time is lower on days when the department has staffing closer to or at its full complement of budgeted staffing available to it.

While this year’s budget cuts have been extremely challenging, I can assure you the Fort Myers Fire Department will continue to provide effective fire and emergency services to the citizens of Fort Myers.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

William P. Mitchell, City Manager
City of Fort Myers, Florida
2200 Second Street, Fourth Floor
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
239-321-7022
wmitchell@cityftmyers.com
WPM: KD: sb
cc:        Honorable Mayor and City Council

Click here to view our response.

City of Fort Myers “Who are You Going to Call to Rehire The Fire”

Return to the “Rehire the Fire” “Save Fort Myers Fire” Homepage

Become a Fan & Follow Us on FACEBOOK.com/RehireTheFire

Harley Davidson Supports ReHire The Fire
SAVE FORT MYERS REHIRE THE FIRE

On October 31st 2009 Fort Myers Harley Davidson extended their support to “ReHire The Fire” during their annual “Bikers for Babies” charity event supporting the “March of Dimes.”

When we approached Harley Davidson of Fort Myers and let them know about the recent budget cuts, layoff’s, manpower reductions, and smaller crew sizes, they were more then willing to help us. Harley Davidson as a corporation exemplifies the extraordinary things Firefighters do like saving lives and selflessly putting their lives on the line to save yours while helping to keep the City of Fort Myers SAFE.

“ReHire The Fire” offers a special message of thanks for providing the Firefighters of Fort Myers and “SaveFortMyersFire.com” a full tent and sponsor space at no cost to assist in communicating the message about the devastating operational changes to the City of Fort Myers Fire Department implemented by the Fort Myers Mayor, Fort Myers City Council, and Fort Myers City Manager that make it tough to perform with the prime efficiency we once had affecting your safety and ours.

During the event we secured over 400 signed petitions, distributed countless fliers outlining the changes to their safety, and positively connected with the public allowing them to see Firefighters as ordinary everyday people, your friends, coaches, patrons in your business, the guy or gal you pass on the street, husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, ordinary people who do extraordinary things for their community. The community support in support of our effort was overwhelming.

Return to the “Rehire the Fire” “Save Fort Myers Fire” Homepage

Become a Fan & Follow Us on FACEBOOK.com/RehireTheFire

Who Are You Going to Call to Rehire the Fire
SAVE FORT MYERS REHIRE THE FIRE

October 26th, 2009 – City of Fort Myers Politicians will meet this evening from 4pm to 5pm in a City Council Special Session, and from 5pm to 8pm in a City Council Workshop.

Take the time to be present at one of these meetings and provide public input to “REHIRE THE FIRE” Click here to see the schedule of upcoming meetings.

If you cannot attend contact these City Politicians at the following contact information below:

1. Mayor Jim Humphrey
   Phone: 239-321-7020
   Email: mayorhumphrey@cityftmyers.com
2. City Manager William Billy Mitchell
   Phone: 239-321-7022
   Email: citymanager@cityftmyers.com
3. Ward 1 Politician Warren Wright
   Phone: 239-321-7001
   Email: councilmanwright@cityftmyers.com
4. Ward 2 Politician Johnny W. Streets Jr.
   Phone: 239-321-7002
   Email: councilmanstreets@cityftmyers.com
5. Ward 3 Politician Levon Simms
   Phone: 239-321-7003
   Email: councilmansimms@cityftmyers.com
6. Ward 4 Politician Michael Flanders
   Phone: 239-321-7004
   Email: councilmanflanders@cityftmyers.com
7. Ward 5 Politician Randy Henderson (Mayor Elect)
   Phone: 239-321-7005
   Email: councilmanhenderson@cityftmyers.com
8. Ward 6 Politician Tom Leonardo
   Phone: 239-321-7006
   Email: tleonardo@cityftmyers.com

Become a Fan & Follow Us on “FACEBOOK.com/RehireTheFire”

Return to the “Rehire the Fire” “Save Fort Myers Fire” Homepage

Become a Fan & Follow Us on “FACEBOOK.com/RehireTheFire”

Return to the “Rehire the Fire” “Save Fort Myers Fire” Homepage

On October 24th 2009 several “Rehire the Fire” supporters were spotted in 2nd Annual “Cops and Joggers” 5K sponsored by the City of Fort Myers Police Department and the Fort Myers Track Club. “Rehire the Fire” was well represented to members of the public present at today’s race event as several race participants were running in the newly released Yellow & Black “Rehire the Fire” T-shirt’s.

Our supporters stood out to the crowd with their Yellow & Black, the colors that have become the new trademark of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).  The race started and finished at Centennial Park which is in the downtown Fort Myers River District.  The 3.1 mile race even ventured over the Edison Bridge providing much exposure for “Rehire the Fire” today.

The proceeds from this years 5k race go to benefit Officer Damien Garcia of the Cape Coral Police Department.  Officer Garcia was injured in the line of duty earlier this year while on motorcycle patrol and is still recovering from his injuries in a Miami hospital.

“Rehire the Fire” extends a special thanks to those who wore our shirts today and all those who participated in this years Cops & Joggers 5k race to support a fellow public safety officer.

Become a Fan & Follow Us on “FACEBOOK.com/RehireTheFire”

Return to the “Rehire the Fire” “Save Fort Myers Fire” Homepage