Council Members Blast Providence Fire Captain’s Dismissal
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
The head of the Providence Firefighters union is criticizing the dismissal of a veteran fire captain with twenty-five years experience by the City - and City Council members are questioning the move in light of the current legal battle between the city and the firefighters.
“The board decision was made last week, and the Mayor approved it today,” said Paul Doughty with the firefighters Local 799 on Tuesday, of the Elorza Administration’s move to remove Captain Dennis Tucker on the grounds of insubordination.
“I think the dishonorable service ordinance [they used] serves a purpose, but I think it's misappropriated in this instance,” said Doughty. “This is [going to be] money that the city doesn't have.”
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City Council members weighed in Tuesday on the decision by the City to dismiss Tucker.
“As to whether or not [Tucker] was properly dismissed, there are processes for that,” said City Council President Luis Aponte. “I was troubled at some of the comments beyond that. There were statements about his severance package, or losing his pension. How many times are they going to punish him?”
On Tuesday, wpri.com first reported that Tucker’s refusal to enforce disciplinary action on his subordinates "contributed to his termination."
“It seems a little extreme to terminate someone in question after twenty five years of service, whether they're entitled to receive the pension, or not,” said Aponte. “It seems excessive, and it doesn't contribute to an environment where things can get better. I imagine that [Tucker] will make a determination whether to appeal it or not soon.”
Councilman David Salvatore questioned the City’s decision, and said that it is important for both sides to have “constructive dialogue” given the current atmoshphere.
“I think it's another step backward in the negotiations,” said Salvatore on Tuesday. “I need to learn more about what happened, but today is another example of amplifying the already negative rhetoric that we constantly read about - and that has to change,” said Salvatore. “When we went through pension reform, public safety was upset, but my message was — and continues to remain — you need to have a constructive dialogue.”
Next Steps?
Doughty said that the next step for Tucker could likely involve filing a grievance.
“If he does, the [union] executive board would have to vote on it,” said Doughty. “It’s a membership right to waive a grievance.”
As for what could be the result, Doughty said it be up to arbitration to determine.
“The arbitrator can fashion any remedy they see fit. Rhe union could see that he's made whole, and get his job back,” said Doughty. “But knowing the schedule, I would say that wouldn’t all happen to the fall in any event.”
Doughty said that in addition to court costs if the dismissal is challenged, that the city will be facing other presssures in light of their decision.
“Now someone is required to fill [Tucker’s] slot with overtime,” said Doughty. “It’s ridiculous. When the Mayor makes these decisions, it's other people's money. It’s vindictive and unproductive.”
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