By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — The Pawtucket firefighters union is voicing concern over what it describes as a “complacent approach to public safety” following a recent command staffing decision.
Lieutenant Erik Cordeiro, a 16-year department veteran, stated that union members were shocked last week when a 22-year-old probationary firefighter was appointed as acting deputy chief, bypassing more experienced staff, WJAR reported.
Cordeiro stated that typically, a battalion chief, one rank below, would fill such a role. However, Mayor Don Grebien explained that since the position had no applicants, the city opted for the most cost-effective solution.
Grebien emphasized that public safety remains uncompromised, describing the role as strictly administrative and noting that promoting a senior member would have incurred overtime costs.
