Cick the image above for a Georgetown Patch video clip from today’s announcement.
Fire Chief Editorial Director Janet Wilmoth’s blog critical of Ellerbe’s appointment
WTOP Radio reports on tax issue for incoming chief
Earlier coverage of Chief Kenneth Ellerbe
You probably woke up to the news here this morning that Sarasota County (FL) Chief Kenneth Ellerbe has been picked to run the DC Fire & EMS Department by Mayor Elect Vincent Gray. Chief Ellerbe was officially announced this afternoon along with Gray’s decision to keep Cathy Lanier (her late father Walt was a top fire official in Prince George’s County) as police chief and to bring back the position of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (Paul Quander will fill that role).
Before we get to the press conference, there is an interesting development from the folks who bring us Fire Chief Magazine. Editorial Director Janet Wilmoth writes in Mutual Aid, a Fire Chief Blog questioning Kenneth Ellerbe’s appointment to replace Chief Dennis Rubin. Here’s an excerpt:
I understand that all’s fair in love and politics, but this decision is wrong for a department that has shown great progress and promise with Rubin at the helm. Once placed in bottom tier of EMS programs across the county by USA Today, the department clawed its way back to prominence, adeptly responding to the 2009 Metro Rail crash. Even FIRE CHIEF columnist Bruce Evans predicted that, “In the next three to five years, the District of Columbia will have one of the premier fire and EMS systems in the United States.”taking the chief’s job in Sarasota in 2009. Six months later, however, reports surfaced that Ellerbe was “on unpaid leave” from D.C. Fire. It turned out that there was a signed agreement “between the [District of Columbia] and Sarasota County“ that allowed Ellerbe to remain employed by D.C. Fire through his 50th birthday in April 2010, which would enhance his retirement benefits to as much as “an additional $600,000.”
Maybe not.
Let’s take a closer look at Ellerbe. D.C. Fire hired Ellerbe in 1982, and he last served there as fire administrator before
According to Sarasota County Fire Department personnel who served under Ellerbe’s predecessor, Chief Brian Gorski, the agency’s once thriving EMS-oriented service took a hit when Ellerbe arrived in town.
Mayor-elect Vincent Gray’s choice for new fire chief has been taking a tax deduction reserved for District residents, despite living and working full time in Florida.
Records obtained by WTOP show Kenneth Ellerbe – a former interim D.C. fire chief – is receiving a $67,500 Homestead Tax Credit for his home on Alabama Avenue in Southeast.
Ellerbe moved to Florida last year.
According to D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue records, Ellerbe has filed paperwork indicating that he lives in the District of Columbia and is entitled to the tax break, Natalie Wilson, a spokesperson for the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue tells WTOP.
Ellerbe says he will not take the tax break on his 2010 taxes. Ellerbe says he was not aware he was responsible for changing his status, and thought it was the responsibility of his accountant.
Gray says he was aware that Ellerbe was taking the deduction, and anticipates Ellerbe will correct the deduction.
Wilson says as a result of the WTOP inquiry, they will be requesting an explanation from Ellerbe.
If the Office of Tax and Revenue finds Ellerbe is not entitled to the tax deduction, he would be compelled to pay the District for back taxes.
Last year, Roll Call newspaper found several members of Congress were improperly taking the Homestead deduction on homes they own in the District.
In order to qualify for the Homestead deduction, the owner of the house must live in the District and occupy the house. The owner must also pay their income taxes in the District and register any cars they own with the District.
In the clip above from the Georgetown Patch, Kenneth Ellerbe answers questions from Segraves about the tax credit and the controversy a year ago over the chief going on leave without pay from DC when he took the Florida job. Here’s what Shaun Courtney wrote for the Patch:
The biggest challenge to the proposed appointees may come for Ellerbe, who faced tough questioning during a press conference Thursday for his 2009 attempt to maintain his position in the D.C. Fire and EMS while working in FL so he could collect a pension from the District. Ellerbe said he resigned from his position in the District and has not collected any pension benefits. Gray said Ellerbe “operated with integrity” during the review of the Personnel Exchange Agreement that allowed him to serve in FL and still be eligible for a D.C. pension.
Also on STATter911 …
- DC fire chief faced sexual harassment claim in Sarasota County, FL. Washington Times questions why Kenneth Ellerbe wasn’t fully vetted by Mayor Vincent Gray. – March 6, 2012
- UPDATE – DC fire chief wants to cut 400 employees & move to 12 hours shifts. Says firefighters living in other East Coast states is a ‘homeland security threat’. – November 30, 2011
- Chief Kenneth Ellerbe responds: Live interview this morning discussing sexual harassment claims when chief was in Florida. – March 8, 2012
- UPDATED: A new week & DC fire is still in the news. Chief Kenneth Ellerbe says media stories are sensationalistic & unfair. – March 12, 2012
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Does anyone care about what Janet Wilmoth has to say? Why is she still helming a fire service magazine or even in any way working in anything related to the fire service?
1st. Yes! Janet has a lot to say and while I may disagree with some of her comments, she does a great job in being editor of a long term highly regarded publication.
2nd. Isn’t there anyone that is out in the Fire Service World that can be hired by the DCFD that does not have some form of controversy associated with their working as Chief?
Even the City of Charleston, S.C., conducted a search before
hiring its new chief.
And I’m sure her head is buried so far up Rubin’s rear end it isn’t funny….Hey Janet, its me Ruby, write something bad about the guy I screwed over when he was DFC in DC…..I’m sure she’s also a salty dog of the fire service….Let’s look into Janet’s life and see what we can dig up….
Hook and Firehat,
1.A lot of people care what Janet has to say. She is the editorial director of one of the major fire service mags. That means she has a lot of influence. You might not like what Brian Williams of NBC News has to say, but the man has a large audience.
2.Why does it matter that she has not been a salty veteran? She comes from a family of salty vets from a busy suburban fire department. Do you have to be a world class chef to review restaurants? Do you have to be an Oscar winning actor to review movies? Do you have to be an amazing author to review books? She is an editor, a damn good one,and she is not giving fireground advice. Where does it say that crawling down snotty hallways is the career path to editing a fire magazine?
3. I don’t agree with her assessment of the Rube. I do think the Rube came in with some great intentions. Nobody gonna argue that his era was 90% failure, 10% OK.
4. I don’t think the Rube is calling anyone to write anything about him these days.
5. Why threaten someone that you are gonna “see what we can dig up” about her life? Do we really need more goon threats or do we need better leadership? Like it or not Hook, a lot of people read what you read because of your situation. Why not take the high road?
95%er..I read alot of the magazines and never once, until now, have I ever heard of Janet Wilmoth. You made a few good points, but if she has this influence you say she does and has as many followers, well the way she came at Chief Ellerbe, she could see a decline in those who follow her and cancel their subscriptions. She didn’t want to meet with Chief Ellerbe prior to writing her negative editorial about this man, but now she looks forward to meeting with him to clear the air….If you met him prior to your rant, your editorial about him would be non existent.
If your so influential, then get your facts straight before you attack someone on a blog, editorial etc….People who write or say negative things about a person that aren’t true and those things affect that persons name, could easily find themselves in a defamation lawsuit. I know I get my facts straight about Rubin and cowards before I post.
And take me saying “did Rube call you to write this” with a grain of salt. BTW, who’s threatened anyone? Its easy to throw stones at someone, but when there thrown back at you, its a little different. I’m not sure what you mean by “the high road”, but I’m here and not going away anytime soon….
Chief Rubin has had two assistant Fire Chiefs who should have moved into the city within 180 days of their appointment. Instead they have lived outside of D.C. for for years, while collecting pay checks of well over six figures. Chief Larry Schultz collected $4,000 in one week in overtime during last years’ snowmaggeden. The Rubin administration was virtually lawless and when he and his minions leave Fire/EMS I hope the news people and the citizen take a good look at what he left behind. As for the personnel exchange agreement, it was signed off on by one of Rubin’s assistant Fire Chiefs and the Director of D.C. Office of Human Resources. They did it to get rid of somebody they viewed as a trouble maker. Which was standard for all who disagreed with Rubin, etc. Rubin was a terrible chief and the city will be paying the price of his administration for years to come. Ellerbe is not without blame and has his own baggage, but I know all the players here and I don’t think anybody, including Ellerbe, can sink as low as these guys did during the reign of terror. As for Ellerbe, I hope that he has learned from his mistakes and that he will appoint some decent people in his administration and that he hears them out.
amen.
wouldn’t want you to go anywhere.
have a great holiday.
For the record..the DCFD ran the city during the snow storm last year.If it wasnt for the way they handled things all DC fire trucks would of been stuck for days.I am very proud of how it was handled no matter how much overtime was paid.I did not see any police cruisers,plows,public works,etc.THE ONLY THING ON THE ROADS WERE WAGONS, TRUCKS, AND AMBO’S.The city seems to forget that part! Secondly, I hope the new chief comes in with an open mind to better the DCFD,not to payback all whom he dislikes(like years ago)and yes we do run alot of EMS but lets not forget our firefighter training as well.Ever since the rosenbaum case the dept. has forgoten how easy it is to lose your life in a housefire. Everythinbg is geared towards EMS training and firefighting has taken a “backseat”.I know some of you will say we dont do fires like we used to so why train, but does the Capitol Hill Police deal with terrorist packages daily ,NO but they train constantly for it so they are prepared.Just a reminder !
I think that Fire/EMS did a great job the snow, but the Assistant Fire Chief should not have earned overtime.Assistant Fire Chiefs are high ranking officials, they are not legally entitled to overtime, they are expected to work until the job is done, as are all high level executives in the rest of the world. That is the price you pay for having the glory of being assistant fire chief, you have to live on your $140,000 salary. That $4,000 was pure gravy and came out of the taxpayer’s pocket.
The problem with the first service is there is this self serving circle of chiefs out there on speaking tours with one another thinking that they’re the new hot ticket every time a speech is made.
You want to know what has changed in the DCFD? More disgruntled fireman on ambulances, more paramedics on 600,000 dollar engines running up and down the streets on medical locals, less actual paramedics on transport units (they’re hiding them in spots like communications and the training academy), and huge budget deficits created by forcing people to get NREMT as well as unfunded EMS Captains who do nothing more then the EMS supervisors do but for 40k a year more in salary.
People like this self absorbed chief writing about how DCFD is a premiere EMS system now are delusional because they’re listening to shovels and shovels full of Rubin’s self serving BS AND LIES.
The EMS system is the same, we still have to take non emergencies to the hospital, we still don’t have the right to refuse taking someone with a toothache, there’s been zero public education on what is and isn’t a medical emergency.
All the while you see the Fire Department’s ability to actually put out fires go down the tubes because the firemen are spending all their time riding ambulances, whilst their craft (PUTTING FIRES OUT) gets worse and worse.
Good Riddance Rubin. Go destroy another department’s 100+ years of pride and tradition in less then 5 years.
As a district resident all my life and a person who is has a strong back ground in both district and federal government politics / labor relations, I was very disappointed in the actions of Mayor elect Vincent Gray in the way he selected the fire and police Chiefs. Yes, he does have the right to pick who ever he wants for the job without the unions input. However, for someone who had received strong support by both unions should have at least sat down with the fire and police unions and listened to their concerns before making a decision.
Both unions should not be surprise of Mr. Gray’s actions; this is very typical of D.C. government politics. Mr. Gray’s actions should be a clear indication in how his administration may interact with both unions. Both unions may now need to change their game play books in order to get your elected leaders to listen to you.
First, there was a time when both fire and police unions joined forces in this city and was able to accomplish many things. I know recently the unions started working together, however there needs to be a stronger partnership to deal with the up-coming issues that lay ahead.
Secondly, there was also a time when both unions developed strong ties to the elected officials on Capitol Hill. Remember, there is one thing that our local D.C. elected officials do not like, and that is their fire or police unions meeting with Capitol Hill folks. I know some may say that Capitol Hill will not support the unions, you are wrong, the National FOP and IAFF have a strong relationship with the Capitol Hill folks.
Again, both unions need to develop a strong working partnership, know what battles to fight, and most importantly all members of both sides (fire and police ) need to get involved!!!!
DC (R)esident, thank you for your post and you make some good points. It was almost hilarious several years ago, when I heard an Asst Fire Chief, Doug Smith comment that “the Union does not run this Dept.” Hypocracy knows no limit when you get to the top. As a firefighter and rank and file officer our benefits and safety are directly related to the tireless and selfless efforts of Local 36. Labor management relations have soured since the Pratt-Dixon Administration and have yet to heal. We went from black vs white to labor vs mgmt and now we have a combo of both. You are indeed correct when you state “there needs to be a stronger partnership to deal with the up-coming issues that lay ahead.”
IMO, the ultimate irony is that Rubin, Schultz and Lee by direction of Peter Nickels and Fenty were absolutely part of this destruction of the influence of the Local. Now it will bite come back to bite them (and rightfully, so). Rubin was a right to work “sherriff” and while he did good as an articulate spokesperson for the Dept and initially had the right idea, he placed the Assts in positions to directly help undermine the power of the Local. Basically, they set the course, and we can only hope that Ken Ellerbe will bring some transparency and credibility to the table when he deals with the rank and file. I believe he is NOT an autocrat and wants to do the best for the most that he can – unlike the previous Asst of Ops, who in actually ran the day to day of the Dept. Kenny has never been “self-righteous” and unwilling to listen and get consensus. Also, Kenny has aged and the Country and the situation has changed regarding the racial dynamics of the City. Nobody should want this fight and God help us all if we go there again. I don’t think the IABFF – Progressive thing is paramount to him much anymore (he wants competence not numbers, I now believe).
The Mayor Elect is in a difficult situation with developers and tax weary citizens wanting the Unions controlled and the legitimate concerns of the Unions. A good deal of what Vince Grey negotiated with regarding Local 36 was done through Ray Sneed. He lost the election as President and now his power is basically gone and this left Vince Grey to select Ken Ellerbe. Both are friends.
In as much as I liked Ray Sneed, he made mistakes in every decision made regarding selection of a DC Fire Chief. I would argue with him on Ron Few and Adrian Thompson and he would always say, “trust me, it’s in our pocket.” I would carry on and on about him making a mistake about his selection but only when he would see the political winds shift and that he made a wrong decision would he backtrack. … and man when he did that, it was with a vengence! The new Union Pres is a home run and sharp as a tack so hopefully (yea, that ole’ hope and change thing) this will usher in a new era of cooperation.
OK everybody, enough is enough. First let’s give Janet Wilmoth a break. I don’t know her, she doesn’t know me so let’s just assume that she, like many others is basing her OPINION on what she’s read or heard because we have NEVER spoken to one another.
The past is the past and hopefully as we all mature, we grow and change. Some do and some don’t. That’s called “arrested development,” and it doesn’t serve us well to stay in the same place or mindset. I appreciate all of the comments, suspicion, support and expectations. As I’ve said before, the DCFEMS leadership will be transparent and fair. Anyone who doesn’t feel tha fairness should be a standard, not an exception should be prepared to move on.
I have reached out to both union leaders and will continue to do so. Ed Smith is his own man and has the best interest of his membership at heart. Kenny Lyons is equally concerned about his members. ALL of us have the best interests of the entire community that we serve internally and externally, before us and constantly bickering, pointing fingers or coming to the table with preconceived notions, especially negative ones, will more than likely result in counterproductive wastes of our time. We don’t have the luxury of wasting time or not getting along.
None of us can do it alone. I can’t put out a fire by myself and neither can Ed Smith. I can’t run a medical call alone and neither can Kenny Lyons. We have to work together and it is my belief that we will get it together. In fact, I’m looking forward to working with them. I am cognizant that “all eyes are on us” and I am certain that the rest of the department realizes that, too.
Relax with your families, enjoy the holiday season, and get ready to go to work next year.
Take care,
Kenneth B. Ellerbe
To Chief Ellerbe,
Thank you for taking the time to post. As I wrote privately to you, I wish you much luck in your new position.
If I can be less than my usual humble self for a moment, much as I told my friend Marc Bashoor who is covering much of your Northeast and Southeast border, one of the best things you have going for you is that idiot Dave Statter’s retirement from TV news. Without him to nag you, the job should be a piece of cake
.
To Janet Wilmoth,
Thanks for writing in and being willing to take the heat. You, like me, believe it is important to respond to those who are critical of what we do.
To others who post comments on STATter911.com,
Your input is greatly appreciated. It always makes me happiest when you discuss and argue ideas and provide your opinions without the personal attacks on each other and those in the news.
I have said this many times before and I know I am dreaming, but how about a New Years resolution that we follow the great advice Frank Ricci gave during his speech earlier this year at FDIC – “We must be careful never to demonize those who disagree with us. We should only debate the issues.”
Those words seem to be just the opposite of what the Internet is all about, but can we at least take a stab at it?
To all,
A happy, healthy and safe holiday season,
Statter
I’ve posted before anonymously but not today. Change has come to the DC Fire Department with every new political administration since I have been an employee of the citizens of the District of Columbia. I say that because I believe that many of my peers have forgotten who they work for. The Mayor was elected by the citizens of the District of Columbia. This mayor has made his selection of Fire Chief based on his own belief of whom he wants to lead this agency. We have a duty to serve the citizens and a responsibility to follow the direction of our leadership. We don’t always have to like our leadership but we must remember who we work for the People who voted those leaders into office. We have an obligation to the people for whom we have been given the awesome responsibility of providing public safety, i.e… Fire Suppression or Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care!
I am a Paramedic by trade! I’ve worn the hat of a firefighter, as a basic level EMS provider and a soldier in the US ARMY so I understand my responsibility to do my duty. 35 years ago I decided that I wanted to help people in whatever way my higher power lead me. I have been blessed that I have spent the last 23 years of my life, all be it often stressful and frustrating to have been able to serve the citizens of this city.
As a Pre-Hospital Care Provider and Battalion EMS Supervisor I offer you this: you must remember it is not our responsibility to make moral or ethical decisions about the people we serve. We have a duty to provide the best pre-hospital care and transportation service we are capable of as a department and a responsibility to be the best at it as individuals.
To the author of the remark about EMS Supervisors not doing anything more than an “EMS Supervisor” for 40k more a year, stop crying. You have my blessing to take on my responsibilities anytime you wish. Assuming you are an experienced Paramedic who is familiar with all the aspects of the JOB. Remember though that with that responsibility will come consequences. If you would like to train to be an EMS Supervisor I am always willing to help. Note I won’t be here forever, actually planning on leaving as soon as I able according to the bargaining agreement. So have at it!! I’ve look forward to having folks who can do my JOB in those positions for many years. Remember though be very careful of what you ask for. I am not really insinuating that you want to do my JOB I am just venting! However, if you think you can, do my JOB, have at it or stop crying about the people who do!!!!!
kenneth ellerbee screwed sarasota county fire dept over and spent all the money. I feel bad for you guys he is a waste of a person and is a sneaky individual.