By Tim Hrenchir
The Capital-journal
TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka City Councilman John Alcala may have questioned the performance at times of Fire Chief Howard Giles, but he still is willing to ask Giles for advice.
Alcala said Giles helped him craft the wording of a resolution regarding firefighter safety that the council will consider when it meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday in its chambers at 214 S.E. 8th.
The proposal would direct city manager Norton Bonaparte to buy new helmets and safety glasses to replace Topeka Fire Department helmets that have exceeded the 10-year service limit suggested by the National Fire Protection Association.
It calls for the costs to be paid through money earmarked for contingencies in the city’s 2007 general fund budget, with expenditures for the helmets and safety glasses not being allowed to exceed $23,000.
The measure comes before the council at a time when Local 83 of the International Association of Firefighters is asking its members to urge city manager Norton Bonaparte to fire Giles, who has been Topeka’s fire chief since December 2004.
Bonaparte has said he won’t fire Giles, who has said he won’t resign.
Alcala questioned last month whether the fire department — or any other organization — can operate effectively when most of its employees want its leader replaced.
Still, Alcala said he sought advice from Giles as he put together the resolution that will be considered Tuesday.
The measure is targeted at addressing one of the union’s concerns by replacing older helmets used by firefighters.
“This is about firefighters’ safety, and I don’t know how you can argue against safety,” Alcala said.
He said that Giles saw the resolution in its original form. Giles noted that it didn’t call for the purchase of safety glasses for the helmets.
“The chief said, ‘You buy the helmet, you’ve got to get the glasses,’” Alcala said. “So we put that in there.”
Bonaparte on Friday released a statement expressing his support for Alcala’s proposal.
“Staff supports Councilmember Alcala’s resolution and encourages council adoption,” Bonaparte said. “Since learning of the recent change in safety standards for helmets, we have ordered 112 replacement helmets.”
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