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Previous coverage of this story
From Paul Wagner at Fox5 News/WTTG-TV (reprinted with permission):
The DC firefighters union is calling on the fire chief to back down from his threat to discipline members over a uniform change. This after a veteran firefighter spoke exclusively with Fox 5 Wednesday night.
Union president Ed Smith says any uniform change is "wasteful" and if the chief wants the members to comply he should pay for it.
The fire chief, for reasons still not clear, has changed the department’s logo and has ordered everyone to make the switch.
The D.C. Fire Department has changed logos four times in the last twenty years.
The last time, just three years ago- a decision that would likely go unnoticed if it wasn't so costly to the city and firefighters who are expected to purchase most of their cold weather gear.
The firefighters union is now calling for the fire chief to unify the department by paying for the change.
Four logos have been used by the department since the early nineties.
The last change, made in 2009, was designed to unify the department by including EMS or emergency medical services.
But after Chief Kenneth Ellerbe took office another change was introduced.
The only clear difference- the addition of two flags- one from the District of Columbia.
"Any change that's at a cost to the taxpayer and is not done through attrition is a waste," said Firefighters Union President Edward Smith in an interview Thursday.
That's the way the last logo change was being handled – through attrition. As new firefighters came in, they were required to wear hats, coats, sweatshirts and tee shirts with the newest logo.
However, Chief Kenneth Ellerbe sees things differently and gave the entire department a deadline to make the change.
But he declined to pick up the tab.
"I want it provided to all my members, that's my stance, plain and simple, if you are talking unity and you provide to some and not to the others, that's not unity, it’s just causing more division," said Smith.
Some high ranking officers and EMS personnel, because the department had some extra money, were given clothing with the new logo.
The issue has become so emotional, a veteran lieutenant spoke out on FOX 5 Wednesday night, saying the chief had created a hostile work environment.
When asked to comment today, Chief Ellerbe sent us this statement,
“(I) don't think that I’ll be commenting any further on this one. The memorandums, which are self explanatory, are not meant to be divisive. Some members are using this to divide the department, when they had no problem wearing insignia that was not official.”
And it’s not just clothing, the logo will be stripped from apparatus as well- a decision that baffles the union.
"The whole fleet is in deplorable condition, the shop personnel are understaffed and over worked, and to have them worrying about a cosmetic change to a fire truck when we have little or no reserve fleet to ride on in the event of a major emergency or call back is not logical at all."
Chief Ellerbe says he will discipline anyone who is not wearing uniforms with the new logo on it as of this week.
A decision that has some firefighters turning their coats, sweatshirts and hats inside out showing no logo at all.
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Also on STATter911 …
- More TV coverage of the uniform crisis in the Nation’s Capital. Some DC firefighters are braving the cold rather than putting city sanctioned patch on their own outerwear. – January 22, 2012
- UPDATED: Lt. Robert Alvarado sent home for wearing DCFD coat at training academy. Says department should provide outwear with mandated logo. Calls chief ‘hostile’. – February 21, 2012
- Three DC firefighters face discipline over appearing with President Obama without authorization. One of those in trouble publicly opposed Chief Kenneth Ellerbe’s uniform policy. – February 22, 2013
- A new uniform order from DC Chief Kenneth Ellerbe has Lt. Robert Alvarado again publicly calling him out. Says fifth change in a year is ‘unconscionable’ & shows ‘lack of leadership.’ – January 21, 2012
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For as much as you guys complain about EMS you should be happy. It says F EMS for sake!
AH, DO WHAT I TELL YOU TO DO OR ELSE. WE HAVE NO ROOM IN THIS ORGANIZATION FOR CREATIVE THOUGHT. Please forgive me; I forgot the true definition of power. POWER = The ability to spend someone elses money without creative thought. Typical Bureaucrat. VOTE 2012.
Mr. Statter,
I was a firefighter for DCFD for over 31 years. When I was appointed the collar brass you wore was DC FD and everyone who wore this was proud to put them on your shirt. I have never heard of a Chief wanting to show his authority in such a way. Chief Ellerbe was promoted to Chief under the regime of another Fire Chief from the EMS Division. Fire Chief Ellerbe has the EMS Division at a different level than the Firefighting Division. The EMS Division is part of the District of Columbia Fire Department as is the Apparatus Division and the Property Division. Why not put all those on the patch? The Chief was delegated to service in the basement of Grimke School ( FD Headquarters ), with no specific title or JOB, under the last regime so I’m sure he is still disgruntled. Giving the EMS outer wear is no surprise to those of us who has worked for the Department for a period of time that encompasses his career. At one time in the Department there was an allowance for uniforms. Members of the Department bought their sweatshirts and undershirts and coats from this allowance. If the Department wants you to comply with this Memo than they should buy the items they want Members to wear.
If all members were to report to the Property Section and return all Uniforms with the DCFD patch and Company patch, request a new uniform with the new patch, the Fire Department will not be able to accommodate. Even the most radical of Chief’s recognized the need for pride in your job and your assignment by letting Members place their company patch on the opposite shoulder of the uniform coat.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who walked through those doors for the first time and took the oath of being a Firefighter of the District of Columbia Fire Department before me that afforded me an opportunity to excel and be a protector to the citizens of the District of Columbia.
Respectfully,
William Ridgeway
Retired Lieutenant Rescue Squad 3
Well said Lieutenant.
It appears that this turkey Chief couldn't be that stupid even if his rise through the ranks has been achieved by butt-puckering and politics. The quickest way to destroy morale is to attack the symbol of what unites a group, a flag if a nation, the logo of the department in this case. If this turkey has been to a single management class he would have learned that his approach to this is going to sink the department. Thus, this has to be a purposeful act, one designed to force people to quit, retire and get out, they aren't wanted and by opening up the positions, he can then make sure that certain people are hired and promoted. This is old-style Chicago politics at work, making the public unsafe at any price. This is just the latest chapter in the Banana Republic of DC.
What was wrong with FIRE DEPT. Time to get a new Chief
Stick to it, maybe this will show the Council what a buffoon this guy really is and out the door he goes posthaste.
I still just can't comprehend this whole mess. Is this guy about 5' tall? Does he have little man syndrome?
So let me get this straight. The chief lied on TV saying that outerwear was issued to everyone? and he lied about the old logo stating it didn't include EMS but it really did? If that's true… there really is something wrong with this guy. I noticed he said that the real challenge is going to come later. Not sure what that means, but DCFD… I think you have reason to worry.
A Fire Chief on a power trip doesn't give a crap about anything but his agenda. The bad economy has hit everyone and this moron wants to make it worse on his people. He should be diciplined!
Well said Billy. I to am a retired DCFD member appointed in the early 70's. This appointed cheif is in line of so many past cheifs that care little of tradition much less the great pride that is associated with its members. Stay firm, keep up the tradition and pride, support the union. This is a young department and the leaders of tomarro are you young guys thats one thing this so called cheif can't change. Always remember that PRIDE and Honor is not only on your shirts but in your Heart.
Stay safe and God Bless.
Retired Lt. Pat Capps
I dont have a problem including the EMS section into the dept. Most FD's nationwide have had an EMS sections for decades and get along fine. If you want them to feel as part of the organization, it doesnt come by a name change. It starts with the excutive managers all the way down the line making the EMS personnel part of the group….working together(which i'm sure already happens in DCFD).
No disrespect to chief officers reading this, but its a typical knee jerk reaction. Seems more and more the case nowadays…. React without knowing all the facts!
Good luck my brothers in DC!
call me nuts but a wave of "rule following to the letter" never hurts in this situation because…ya cant get busted for following the rules…i wonder if the folks in sarasota are breathing a sigh of relief because SCFEMES (which would have morphed into)- "SuCk-FEMS" would not have gone over well down here with their folks
It is funny how the administrator uses the recommendations to what he thinks is in his favor. In fact, the patch that we have changed back to, is the one that was worn during the Rosenbaum incident. Chief Rubin took and older version of a previous patch and modified it a little( with the help of some embroidery art people I know), and created what we have just been ordered not to wear. I am currently an employee of the department( 20 years) and normally would not hide behind a screen name. But, I do fear retribution from this clown show. I do have intimate knowledge of the artwork and previous patch design and will find it interesting reading as to the rebuttal that may or should come back from this. Thank you Dude, Cadillac,LT. Ridgeway, LT. Capps and anyone else that has stood for TRUE leadership. I am honored and previledged to have worked with all of you and thru the unity, We will survive and conquer.
This has nothing to do with the inclusion of EMS in the Department. That has been going on for years, and despite growing pains and issues that accompany any change in an organization as large as ours it has been successful and most of all the citizens have reaped the results of the addition of BLS units staffed by Firefighters. While riding an ambulance is not my first choice of duty assignment I was here when it was an all-civilian force and the service was horrible. Our approval rating is now around 97%, one of if not the highest of any City organization in the District of Columbia. The issues with Ellerbe’s stewardship of the Department are both subtle and obvious. First of all it is pretty clear from the recent interview's he doesn't necessarily lie but he certainly misrepresents the truth to serve his agenda. While many (including myself may consider this a form of deceit i.e. lying) he provides himself with the ability for plausible deniability of his many misstatements’. Hence the "miscommunication over outer wear meaning cold weather gear, and Ellerbe misstatement about the Dept. issuing the members $5000 worth of outer wear only to recant his statement and play it off as if the reporter was questioning our turnout gear (which she clearly by the question was not). He constantly uses the Rosenbaum Task Force recommendations’ as justification for his actions, however under close scrutiny of the management decisions and restructuring of the Department that has occurred under his watch one will see that he is picking and choosing which recommendations he wants to follow and discarding others, without pointing out these inconsistencies to the public or the Council. He cites fiscal restraint on one hand and then with other exercises fiscal irresponsibility. This man has many issues as well as an agenda that he is trying to push other than the improvement of the Department and the many services we deliver. He cleans up well and is capable of presenting a good story initially to the public and the City Council, but under scrutiny his story and facts fall apart, and the true facts surface to reveal that he is not accurately portraying what is really going on inside the Department. I can only hope that the Public, and the City Council begin to take a long hard look at this man's actions and begin to question his motives. Just like we are accountable to the public we serve, so is he. We're holding up our end of the bargain, Ellerbe is not!
fyrecapt
Quote
"Making the EMS personnel part of the group….working together(which i'm sure already happens in DCFD).'
DCFD Members man every BLS unit in the City..Thats 24 Ambos
Along with the 20+ Paramedic Engines in the City. So I would have to say that DCFD is the EMS
The Medic Transport units are manned by civilians..14 if im correct
DCFD members also have to man some of the 14 Medic Units in the City because the EMS civilians do not like coming to work……
The last name change had "& EMS" on the New/old/New/Old Patch
SHAME. Sounds like DCFD is dealing with a dictatorship. FDNY knows all about that. Just when you thought morale is at an all time low, in comes another Chief with another bright idea. Where do these Chiefs come from? Did they start as a Firefighter with DCFD or FEMS. Why not keep DCFD and add EMS under that for EMS, and FIRE under DCFD for FIRE? EMS FIRE. Let the Chiefs walk around with FEMS on the back of their coats.
There are 7 downgraded medic units today, meaning ff’s are staffing those and half ALS transports are out of service, thx LRB.
After reading the articles in regards to the new logo/uniform issue at the DCFD(?)/DCFEMS(?) I have to say that both sides in this argument are wrong. The chief is behaving like a tyrant and is obviously out of step with the rank and file of his department. However, the response to the uniform edict by the rank and file is childish. Taking an argument like this from an internal department matter and putting it out in public should only be reserved for issues that affect operations or safety. Does the logo on a uniform inhibit the departments ability to do its' job? No. Does the logo on a uniform affect the safety of the firefighters or the public? No. Putting an issue as patently stupid as this in the public eye is going to make the pueople less responsive to major issues in the future. So, to the chiefs, quit acting like tyrants. To the firefighters, quit acting like prima donnas. Focus on what's important, doing your jobs to the best of your abilities and going home at the end of the shift.
There is more to the story then just a name/ logo change. We are forced to buy new cold weather gear for the 2nd time because this department keeps changing the name/ logo. I am tired of paying for uniform items that I need to do my job. If you don’t think you need a heavy jacket when you are working outside in 20 degree weather then you are more of a man then me.
It is a safety issue when members are not provided proper cold weather gear. DC goes get some cold weather during the winter, and the members need to properly equipped to deal with that.
@pipeman
Wow!! You mean there are 14 medic units in the city and 7 of them are out of service today????? Is that normal???
No, that is not normal. Now and then you'll have 1 or 2 downgraded, which still shouldn't occur, but ever since LRB took over this has become a problem. One day we actually had 9 medic units downgraded to basic units. Lately this situation has gotten worse as we consistently have numerous medic units downgraded almost every day, and it's not just the 1 or 2 that in the past would now and then occur but instead it's closer to 4 to 5 per day.
Paramecium, We do our J.O.B. every day no matter what this FEMS Administrator beats us down with. It's a morale, pride and tradition issue that we as D.C. firefighters are fighting for. Do you think the Marine Corps would get anyone to enlist or continue to serve, if they changed there Dress Blues Uniform to a Dress Pink ( pick a color) uniform?? No! they would not! It's TRADITION! and Marines wear that uniform with pride. Millions of young men and women enlist and enlisted in the Marine Corps specificly because of the Pride, Tradition and yes the uniform the Marine Corps provides. This FEMS Administrator (he does not deserve to be called fire chief) is purposely demoralizing it's members.
The issues of Logo,Patches are very much a part of what,who,how,why,whynot, DC Fire and EMS serves the public. Ellerbee seems to be consistent in his Racially motivated efforts to use as an excuse the Rosenbaum Task Force Recomendations. Yes the Task Force spelled out quite clearly what is needed. To date I read where some Paramedics have quit. Any number of ALS units are either down staffed or out of service. One can only think Ellerbee is trying to make his desire for a complete African American Fire and EMS Dept. That is utterly stupid and absurd. How would he respond to the Mayor and/or Council if someone loses their Life because no ALS units available due to his behavior. Whether or not Uniform Firefighters are assigned to an EMS Unit or it is staffed by Civilians, the main purpose is always the same. Anytime an innocent soul is lost due to out and out stupidity the Political Powers tend to squirm because negative publicity and Civil and in some cases criminal litigation comes into focus. Ellerbee you have spoken about Homeland Security and the readiness of DC Fire and EMS. Well Ellerbee the Men and Women of DC Fire and EMS are always ready to step forward and do the job. The issue here, Are you ready? Homeland Security is a Primary issue for Public Safety. In a Society where Terroists some home grown attempt to carry out destruction and taking of innocent souls. Washington, D.C. Is a Federal City as one can only hope you are aware. The Nation's Capitol all the Federal front line CounterTerrorrism Agencies are in place. ie; FEMA vs. FEMS. With the Political Powers attempting to speak out and convince those who hold the authority, to make Washington D.C. the 51st State. You in your postion have done absolutely nothing to ensure the Taxpayers of D.C. thaey can be relieved their Fire and EMS Dept. is on duty/on alert to serve and protect them. Instead of focusing your efforts on how best to bring the Men and Women of DC Fire and EMS together under one umbrella you have your agenda. Ellerbee you are part of the problem, not part of the solution. You make me sick. You are an absolute,shameful disgrace to any Real Fire Chief and Professionalism.
Thank You
What a GREAT Idea.!!!!
The next "NEW" patch for the DCFD should be PINK so as to include the
female members into both the Fire and EMS Divisions.!!!
Sounds to me like Ellerbe is another Politician and not a Fire Chief. A Fire Chief should be someone that remembers what it's like to be in the trenches day in and day out, serving the public at a moments notice and being part of a "team". The only team he is playing for is himself, and his agenda. With all that we have to worry about in this day in age with safety and protecting our own, he is more worried about putting his "stamp" on everyone and being a dictator. So much for the "brotherhood". I hope he gets run out of town on a rail, and hopefully every city, town and jurisdiction in the entire country see's how sad of a leader he is and he end's up in the unemployement line unable to land a job. Karmah……….
Absolute I have a better idea, just make it all black. Why do you ask? Symbolism! Every color mixed together will create black (or close too it) which will symbolize the inclusion of everyone because everyone (i.e. color) is mixed together to give us this beautiful color.
DCFD Brothers …
Remember, “You are what you eat”.
Quite poisoning yourselves with all of these gripes, complaints and negative thoughts.
Your career (the best, by the way) will be gone before you know it.
Don’t let crap dominate it.!!
(I know .. 1972 to 2007 passed in a flash)
Purchase the correct uniforms (tax deduction), sew on the new patch
and DO YOUR JOB which is to protect and serve.
Go to work, stay positive, love your Brothers, serve your Community
and return to your family after each shift.
Well said AbsoluteReality, whoever you are, just plain and simple
I think the members are getting sucked in and fighting the wrong battles. The union should be more concerned with better disability, a new contract, to name a few. Worrying about changing a patch is trivial at the least, although I believe members should be issued winter coats with the new logo. When chief rubin changed the patch I dont remember many objecting with so much animosity and venom. No matter what leader is at the helm, there is gonna be change and change is something this department TRADITIONALLY isnt use to. I say follow the rules and orders of your superiors whether you like it or not.(its your duty). Stop using multi-media forums to disrespect the leadership, thats why we have a union. I just think we are going about it the wrong way.
xray
"When chief rubin changed the patch I dont remember many objecting with so much animosity and venom."
That is correct, but when Chief Rubin changed the patch he didn't require everyone to go out and change their uniforms at their expense or face disciplinary charges. If you wanted to wear the 'old' patch you were allowed to do so. Thus, there was no reason for the membership to react so negatively to the change.
"Well said … just plain and simple"
Ya Think.!!
I'm talking to my Brothers here, X-y
Fact 1: Current patch is not new so Ed Smith is a liar. It is the same patch issued in 1987
Fact 2: The Depatment became DC Fire & EMS in 1987 not 2011.
Fact 3: Rubin holds patent on the "Golden Eagle Patch" No city in its right mind would allow an individual to hold rights to something like that.
Fact 4: There has only been 2 designs in the last 20 years. The current patch and Rubin's patch. The Fire Chief only ordered that the patch of 25 years remain the official patch. If 3 years trumps 25 years for tradition then it is about personalities not a patch.
Fact 5: This is the second time we were told to put DC Fire & EMS on our gear. The first time was when the name changed. No one really bothered to enforce it.
Fact 6: Fire Chiefs in DC have a 4 year average shelf life. Wrap your DCFD clothes in plastic like I have. It will be fresh as a daisy when the next guy come in.
Fact 7: Ed Smith I WANT A RAISE!!!! Focus on that and stop wasting media exposure on a dam patch!!!!! (An Ambulance with A/C for my guys next Summer would be nice too)
Sorry FACT but there have been 4 patches in the last 35 years. The first one (from the 1970's) was the one Fox5 was displaying. In the early 1980's a new patch was introduced. It's design was the US Capital with a matese cross with a flame coming out of the middle.http://www.capecodfd.com/Patches/Patch%20DCFD.jpg The next patch came out in the early 1990's (this is also the patch that the deparment is going back to) http://www.washingtonemeralds.org/Picture4.jpg (except for the"Retired" portion) Then came the Rubin patch.http://traditionstraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dcfd-new-logo_250_322-232×300.jpg Now we are going back to the pre Rubin patch. Sorry I don't have a copy of the patch from the 1970's but there you have it 3 of the 4 patches from the past 35 years.