SPEAK OUT - Lesson of fire tragedy: Focus on safety

By WILLIAM ARIENTI

No words can be said, nor thought expressed, that can adequately convey the sorrow and sympathy that would ease the personal devastation one experiences upon an untimely death of a loved one. As rational human beings we are all touched in some way at varying levels of intensity by the loss of life; and those feelings are even greater when a child is involved. With this understanding in mind, I truly believe that this community in which we live and work are truly saddened by the tragic loss of Emmanuel Labranche and Valensky Duguaran, and convey to their family our sadness and condolences. I personally cannot, nor do I even wish to attempt to, comprehend the anguish this family must be suffering; but, nonetheless, offer to all of you the knowledge that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I also wish to offer my prayers to the brave men and women of the Randolph Fire Department who selflessly and without concern for their own safety battled the inferno at 290 Union Street in their attempt to save the lives and protect the property of those who live there. As a veteran firefighter I know there are times the task you face is an impossible one. There are times when no matter how hard you work, how hard you try and how noble your effort, bad things still happen. Although we sometimes wish differently, firefighters are not made of steel and rock, but flesh and bone, and with those limitations of human existence, our abilities are finite.

Although no comparison can be drawn to the measure of grief the family of fire victims’ experience, the level of grief firefighters endure upon not reaching a victim in time is quite profound. Firefighters offer their lives for those in need, they have sworn to do so, and very often they extend the greatest sacrifice possible to fulfill that oath. In a fire, race, color, religion or sexual orientation mean absolutely nothing to a firefighter. When a room is charged with smoke, firefighters have no idea what the person they are rescuing looks like, nor do they care. Their goal is to save a life, and the self-gratification they receive upon accomplishing that goal is incomparable. Conversely, failing in the attempt is disheartening.

According to Randolph Fire Chief Charles Foley, a contributing factor to this tragedy was less than adequate manpower (a 55-man department reduced to 50 men). I commend Foley for his comments as one of, if not the only, metropolitan fire chief to recognize an ever-increasing problem and have the courage to unequivocally make the statement that has been resonating in the city halls and town offices across Massachusetts. Fire departments throughout this state have dwindled to unsafe levels caused by budgetary restraints. Mayors and town managers have been gambling with high stakes each time they present their municipal budgets; most of the time they win, but sooner or later the odds catch up.

Randolph’s executive secretary, Michael Carroll, states that Foley could have hired two firefighters (which would have to be shared by four groups. In 23 years of firefighting, I have never seen half of a firefighter put out any fire).

This trend of using fewer firefighters to protect municipalities has not only been perpetuated by tight budgeted mayors, but has been exacerbated by media outlets such as The Patriot Ledger. Although now quoting National Fire Protection Association staffing standard 1710, it was only four years ago when the editorial staff of The Ledger called the Quincy firefighters and the Quincy City Council effort to implement this minimum safety standard in Quincy ‘‘stupid.’’ (Editorial, June 20, 2003) I am happy to see The Patriot Ledger may be realizing their position at the time may have been more politically and financially motivated than appraised in practicality and safety as now the new editorial staff asks the proper question, ‘‘Safety at what price?’’

As I see it, the facts lie in front of us, and we have three options to consider:

1. A knee-jerk reaction by municipalities to implement a half-baked idea to appease the citizens of their community;

2. Leave the facts on the table, sooner or later the public will forget about it, until the next tragedy, or;

3. Address the problem seriously, utilizing all the resources available, including city and town officials, fire chiefs, fire unions, the NFPA and the public. Take an open and unbiased look at your community fire department and honestly assess its capability. When all the facts are in, devise short-term and long-term staffing goals to implement over a period of time to offer a level of protection the taxpayers deserve.

Tragedies happen daily throughout this world; we mourn the dead and pray for the living. Let us take our actions one step further and use our experience to plan for the future so that the lives lost today may help save the lives of others tomorrow.

William Arienti of Hanover is the former president of the Quincy Firefighters Association.

Copyright 2007 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Thursday, May 24, 2007