By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
TROY, N.Y. — The Troy firefighters’ union president is challenging a 15-day unpaid suspension after being charged with insubordination for refusing to take part in what the union described as a “dangerous training exercise” conducted by a state agency, the Times Union reported.
Firefighter Eric Wisher, president of the Troy Uniformed Firefighters Association, refused training by the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control, citing past injuries to Troy firefighters and a 2021 Watertown firefighter’s death during state-run training, according to the Times Union report.
“The competency of OFPC is a significant issue. I am very aware of the risk of being a firefighter,” Wisher said. “However, no training exercise should result in loss of life or severe injury. It’s not clear to me whether the city of Troy or the state of New York take that same position.”
A superior officer ordered Wisher to participate in the training, but he refused, according to the Times Union.
“The training in question, developed by fellow firefighters, is designed to build mask confidence, and ensure the safe operation of lifesaving equipment,” Troy Fire Chief Rich Cellucci said in a statement. “Participation in such training is not optional. It is essential for the safety of each firefighter and their colleagues.”
Wisher looks to have the suspension overturned in a hearing under the Firefighters Bill of Rights Statute. The union filed a complaint with the state “based on the training being implemented without negotiating with the union and because the discipline was in retaliation for his union activities.”
Troy firefighters argue the training involves navigating confined spaces with a breathing apparatus, the Times Union reported.
Firefighters referenced the death of 20-year-old firefighter Peyton Morse during similar training at the state Fire Academy in 2021. His family sued the state in 2023.
Five Troy firefighters were hospitalized after a training accident on Sept. 14, 2023. Wisher said they were burned while training to become instructors. The state Office of Fire Prevention and Control led the class.
