CHARLESTON, S.C. --- It was once dismissed as a "boys club" of rabble-rousers. But the Charleston firefighters union has grown dramatically in size and clout, forcing city and fire department officials to acknowledge its members' concerns.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reported Sunday that as recently as two years ago, the union could claim fewer than half of the department's eligible firefighters as members. The group's leaders struggled to recruit, and its calls for more safety-oriented tactics were met with resistance from a department rooted in hard-charging, aggressive traditions.
But the June 18, 2007, fire that killed nine city firefighters brought attention to those methods, and the union has seen its membership rolls swell ever since. Though state law bars the city from bargaining with the union, nearly all of the department's 225 rank-and-file firefighters have joined, giving the organization greater leverage to push for change.
City and fire department officials who once called the group a vocal minority now pledge to cooperate with the organization and have promised that the city's new fire chief will share that commitment.
"We have an excellent relationship with the union," Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said. "I want to make sure the new chief shares the feeling I have of the importance of having an open door to the union and its members."
As the union enjoys improved relations with the city, the man who led the organization through the dark days after the sofa store fire is preparing to step down.
Retired Charleston Fire Capt. Roger Yow, 55, who has led the union since 2003, said he has been looking to hand over the reins for some time but wanted to make sure the organization was strong and headed in the right direction.
It is unclear who will succeed Mr. Yow when he leaves next month. He has endorsed the union's vice president, Brian Conley, to succeed him, but other firefighters also are said to be considering a run.
Retired Fire Capt. Ricky Koger, a longtime member, said the growth is welcome but that the new president must find ways to motivate both long-standing members and recruits to get more involved in pushing the union's agenda. Too often in the past, those duties fell on a select few while others stood in the shadows, unwilling to risk speaking out for fear of jeopardizing their careers, he said.
"They've got to participate. We've made inroads, but we need to build on that," he said. "They've got to use their voices."
Comments
Quote from above: "The group's leaders struggled to recruit, and its calls for more safety-oriented tactics were met with resistance from a department rooted in hard-charging, aggressive traditions." If they were ill-trained(?) why should a lawsuit against the furniture compnay even be considered? Sue the city commissioners personally. Nah, no money there.
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