On July 31, a full page editorial appeared in the Duluth Budgeteer News. The editorial was authored by Erik Roadfeldt, the City of Duluth firefighters’ union secretary. In the editorial, Roadfeldt explains the arduous days of firefighters, who often go without sleep due to demands of the job. He also takes City Councilor Jim Stauber to task for questioning the department’s actions and expenditures. One ought to be careful about the message he or she sends and the message others receive.
The editorial spelled out the overwhelming demands of the fire department when they are required to work twenty four hour shifts. The editorial implied that Stauber and others should not question the Fire Department’s budget and practices.
The department ought to practice what it preaches. Late yesterday, I witnessed twelve fire department personnel soliciting donations from motorists at the intersections of London Road and 40th Ave East and at Superior Street and 27th Ave West. They were all in full uniform. The group on London Road also had two fire rigs parked within eyeshot. Firefighters at both locations wandered in and out of traffic to collect monies from passing motorists. Clearly these firefighters were on the clock and using public equipment, while sacrificing sleep time, to gather money for a charitable group.
Don’t get me wrong. I have some favorite charities and I occasionally solicit the purchase of a raffle ticket from a co-worker, but it is simply wrong to exploit a publicly owned service like the fire department to solicit money. First, the department, I am assured, has a strict policy against using fire rigs on non-essential business. Using the rigs as a transport vehicle clearly violates department policy. Secondly, taking twelve fire personnel away from much needed rest could and may endanger public safety. Lastly, leveraging the good reputation of the department to collect charitable money - while at the same time trying to enhance their own image – is, at best, unethical. The short term gains of their activity outweigh the public good.
Some may say that I am nit picking. I may well be. However, the department purports that any funding cuts will slow response time. Mr. Roadfeldt complains about lack of sleep on twenty four hour shifts. Perhaps the department – at a minimum – ought to figure out its priorities while elected and members of the public challenge them to provide the best service possible at the lowest price they can.
At the Chamber’s upcoming FORVM, September 2, 2008 at 8:00 AM in the Playground Theatre at the Technology Village, we’ll talk with Mayor Ness and City Councilor Jim Stauber about the fire department. If you agree or disagree with this posting you are welcome to attend and have your voice heard. As always, I appreciate hearing from our members. If you would like to offer me your feedback, I can be reached at
apeterson@duluthchamber.com or 218-740-3752.
