US States News
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WASHINGTON — The office of the Washington, D.C., Mayor issued the following news release:
Just three days after the Fire Trial Board handed him its decision related to five personnel actions following the 2006 Gramercy Street Case which involved slain New York Times journalist David E. Rosenbaum, DC Fire Chief Dennis Rubin today announced that he would not fully accept those recommendations. This morning, he sent a letter to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty with additional policy and personnel recommendations, which Mayor Fenty supported and approved.
“I have made a personal commitment to every citizen, visitor and member of the Department to do everything I can to provide the highest quality of customer service,” said Fire Chief Dennis Rubin in his recommendation letter to Mayor Fenty. “And therefore I cannot in good conscience fully accept the Board’s decision.”
Because these recommendations relate to personnel actions, the names of the individuals remain confidential at this time. After a full review of the Board’s decision and all relevant facts including the record of each individual involved, the Chief recommended the following recommendations.
The Administration should accept the Trial Board’s findings with respect to three Firefighter/EMT responders found not guilty.
A penalty increase should be established for one of the Firefighter/EMT from a 84 duty-hour suspension to a 192 duty-hour suspension. Additionally, this individual should no longer be in contact with the public in official capacity.
Finally, the primary Firefighter/EMT responder in the case should receive an increase in penalty from a 252 duty-hour suspension to termination.
“Chief Rubin was selected to head Fire/EMS because of his outstanding fire and medical emergency knowledge and experience. I am confident that his leadership on this initiative will lead the DC Fire Department in the right direction and make it an even better department for the residents of the District of Columbia,” said Mayor Fenty.
The Administration will take a hard look at the disciplinary process to ensure that appropriate actions are pursued in future cases.