Dear Members,

As you may be aware, a Battalion Commander in the Bronx has been “lifted” due to alleged “poor performance.” The Fire Dept. describes his “poor performance” as ignoring “increased” response times of units assigned to his Battalion. The UFOA has filed a grievance and expects a hearing ASAP. This union will never permit the integrity of any fire officer to be questioned without due process.

We have received many calls from company and chief officers regarding response times. In order to clarify the UFOA's position, we want to once again state that you must obey Department Regulations and Orders at all times. The recent accidents and injuries to members of the Fire Dept. and the public remind us that the Regulations include important provisions to balance the safety of officers', members' and the public with the need for a quick response.

In November 2004, the Dept. amended Sec. 11.1.17 Fire and Emergency Operations Section C. The new policy allows chauffeurs, “to proceed past a steady red signal, a flashing red signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.” The decision to stop is the responsibility of the officer and chauffeur based on vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as road and weather conditions.

In August 2005, the Dept. revised Sec. 11.1.17F to permit the use of one-way streets against traffic for more than one block “only when absolutely necessary”. Again, this decision should be made by the officer based on vehicular and pedestrian traffic and also road and weather conditions. When making such decisions, officers must be aware of the skills of the particular chauffeur. It is of utmost importance to always maintain a dialogue between chauffeur and officer. As stated in Sec. 11.1.14, “Officers shall hold chauffeurs responsible for the operation of the apparatus while responding to, operating at, or returning from alarms and on all other occasions when the apparatus is taken from quarters.”

We also want to emphasize Sec. 11.1.3, “Responses to alarms shall be made with all proper speed consistent with safety.” Remember we are responsible for the safety of our members and civilians while responding to alarms. The recent injury to the firefighter who was thrown from the apparatus reminds us of the importance of the regulation that all members should respond with the seat belt properly worn at all times while the apparatus is moving. This should be stressed at all roll calls and be the subject of company drills.

Officers should ensure that all members are fully “bunkered up” and are wearing seat belts prior to responding. . Sec. 11.1.5, “Company Commanders of Units shall designate an area or areas on the apparatus floor where on duty members shall properly and safely don their Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) in response to alarms.” This is reiterated in Sec.11.1.11 which states, “Donning of boots and fire clothing should be done prior to boarding apparatus.” Members should not unfasten their seat belts to don bunker gear. Members should also familiarize themselves with Safety Bulletin #67, titled “Approved Riding Positions on Apparatus”. We advise Company Commanders to have specific policies for their chauffeurs and all firefighters regarding riding positions, proper placement of gear and procedures for stopping traffic.

Finally, and most importantly, respect the response sequence on the response ticket to help establish a safe operation from receipt of ticket to return to quarters.

As you know, the UFOA leadership has supported and will continue to support the Fire Department's effort to reduce response times. However, we must ensure that Fire Officers recognize their continuing obligations under Fire Department regulations to protect the safety of all firefighters and the public.

Always keep in mind, “The best response is a safe response. Time is important but arrival is essential.”