Rusty steps downBeleaguered fire chief says department needs to heal By Ron Menchaca (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Photo GalleryChief Rusty Thomas Photos from Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas' career.
Video
Mayor Joe Riley held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas' announcement to retire after 32 years with the department. Watch » Video
Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas announced Wednesday he would retire from the department after 32 years of service. Watch » High Profile on Rusty Thomas`Rusty' Thomas fired up about life as Charleston chief -- July 4, 1998 Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.Coming FridayThe Phase Two report of the Routley Commission providing a detailed account of what happened during the Sofa Super Store fire, and recommendations. News Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas says last year's Sofa Super Store fire changed him forever, and stepping aside would be the best way to help his fire department heal. The announcement Wednesday that the embattled chief will retire June 27 came on the eve of a highly anticipated report that is expected to be critical of the department's handling of the June 18 blaze that killed nine of Thomas' firefighters. Mayor Joe Riley said there was no connection between Thomas' decision and the forthcoming report or calls for someone to be held accountable in the wake of the tragedy. "He expressed no concern about the report," Riley said of Thomas. "It shouldn't be seen as that at all — unequivocally no." Outside department headquarters, Thomas spoke to reporters for less than a minute and declined to answer questions. "The city of Charleston Fire Department has been my life for 32 years," he said. "For 16 of those 32 years, I put the fire department in front of my family. My family and I got together the past couple of weeks, and we decided it would be better for me and my family to retire." Riley said the city will immediately launch a nationwide search for a new fire chief, a process expected to take 90 to 120 days. Thomas is a third-generation Charleston firefighter, following his father, his grandfather and his uncle into the department. He joined in 1976. A down-to-earth, affable man, the James Island native has served as chief since 1992. His community involvement, frequent public appearances and devotion to his beloved city and fire department have made him a colorful and celebrated local figure. In his more than three decades with the city, he had taken only one sick day. But the sofa store fire and the tough questions that followed placed Thomas under enormous pressure as investigators and an independent panel descended on the city to comb through the rubble of the store — and every facet of the department. Under pressure Thomas endured a steady drumbeat of criticism and calls for his ouster from union leaders, experts and firefighters from across the country. He also faced growing dissension within his own ranks. He was faulted for failing to keep pace with modern advances and standards designed to protect firefighters. And he was hammered over his initial insistence that the department did nothing wrong the night of the fire and that it had no intention of changing methods it had honed over generations. Riley said Thomas came to see him Tuesday afternoon and presented a letter expressing his decision to retire. As recently as last week, Riley expressed unwavering support for Thomas and touted him as the man to lead the department into a new era. Thomas for months had rejected calls for his resignation, saying he owed it to the memory of his fallen firefighters to stay on as the department undergoes a sweeping transformation of its tactics, equipment and training. Those changes were prompted by several investigations into the fire. The chief stunned firefighters across the city Wednesday when his familiar booming drawl sounded over their radios to announce his retirement plans. "I love this department and have given it my entire professional life. The loss of my nine friends last June 18 changed me and this department forever," Thomas wrote in his letter to Riley. "I feel as though the best thing I can do right now to help this department that I love so much heal from the tragedy of June 18 is to step aside as Chief." Roger Yow, president of the local firefighters union that represents about half of the city's 250 firefighters, said he was in utter shock and had not expected Thomas to step down. While the state and national firefighters union had called for Thomas to lose his job in the wake of the fire, Yow's organization had not yet taken a formal position. "I've never had anything against the chief personally," Yow said. "We just wish him and his family the best. We feel like it was something that needed to be done to help this fire department move forward." Earlier this week, Riley met in Washington, D.C., with Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, to discuss issues surrounding the fire department. Riley was in the nation's capitol for an unrelated conference. The mayor insisted that meeting played no part in Thomas' abrupt departure. Schaitberger's assistant, Jeff Zack, said the president described the meeting as "a privileged discussion, but also a frank and open discussion about the future of the Charleston Fire Department, everything from the grass roots on up." Schaitberger said in a statement that the local and national union are "single-minded in our work for real change in the training, policy, command and operating procedures of the Charleston Fire Department so that what happened last June 18 never happens again." Report out today Some local firefighters had been organizing a public demonstration of some sort to coincide with today's release of the city-appointed panel's investigative report on the fire. It's unclear whether those plans had any impact on Thomas' decision. The report from the panel of consultants is expected to build on a draft of a federal report that the city made public last week. The draft report painted a stark picture of a chaotic scene of firefighters begging for more water to fight back a growing inferno, missing telltale signs of impending doom and commanders issuing orders that conflicted with basic firefighting principles. Janet Wilmoth, editorial director of Fire Chief magazine, said it was the right time for Thomas to step down, as the independent panel will likely call for a variety of changes in its report. "It's in the best interest of the department to look for new leadership," she said. "They need a fresh start." Gordon Routley, who heads the city-appointed review panel, said neither he nor any of the other panel members were involved in Thomas' decision. "It's not really surprising given the pressure he has been under," he said. "I imagine it has to be very difficult for him. His whole life has been the fire department." St. Andrews Fire Capt. Morris Sills, who oversaw his department's response at the Sofa Super Store blaze, has been critical of Thomas' command decisions on the scene that night. Sills said Thomas initially turned down his offers of assistance and manpower. In the early stages of the fire, Sills and his men also offered Thomas the use of larger hose lines and a thermal imaging camera, which Thomas said he did not need, according to a federal report. But investigations indicated one of the major problems was lack of water because hose lines were too small. "My first thought is one of relief. It's finally over, and we can start getting some closure," Sills said. "A lot of these (firefighters) are falling apart and their marriages are breaking up. This will be a major step in improving their mental health. It's upsetting it took so long." Reaction to retirement The fire department has been deeply divided since the sofa store blaze, with some firefighters standing staunchly behind the chief, while others have insisted that his presence impedes efforts to move beyond the department's aggressive and tradition-bound ways. Capt. Mark Davis of Station 6 on Cannon Street was one of a handful of firefighters who barely escaped the store before a rushing wave of flames consumed the building. He is still struggling to deal with the loss of nine of his friends. "I still do have anger. In my mind, I still can't absorb the fact that we lost nine men," he said. "The groundwork for what happened that day was set in motion before Chief Thomas ever showed up on scene. But it happened on his watch." Capt. Jamie Greene, also of Station 6, has been a vocal proponent for change in the department. But even he has mixed emotions about Thomas' departure. "I like Rusty personally. If Rusty needed me right now, I would be right there for him. But none of this is based on friendship; it's based on job performance." Capt. Art Wittner, the lone surviving member of the Engine Co. 16 crew that night, is unhappy Thomas is leaving. He doesn't think anyone could have changed the outcome that night, and he hopes the chief wasn't "railroaded" into retiring. "This was something that happened and only God could have changed it," he said. "I know he loved this fire department and he loved those nine guys." Randy Hutchinson, a former Charleston firefighter who lost his brother, Capt. Billy Hutchinson, in the fire, compared Thomas' departure to the opening of a valve that releases pressure. "They have been distorting the truth and hiding the facts for a long time," he said. "This is the first positive step for the healing of that department." Paula Kelsey, mother of fallen Engineer Mark Kelsey, said Thomas should have to account for her son's death before he is allowed to retire. "I would like him to have to face me first," she said. The Charleston City Council had been largely absent from the debate over Thomas' future with the department. Their requests to meet with the expert panel for updates on the investigations and to be more involved in the process have been rebuffed by Riley. Several council members expressed continued support for Thomas, though most said they weren't surprised by his decision. "He's a very strong fellow, but he had the weight of the city on his shoulders," City Councilman James Lewis said. Jay Lowry, a former Charleston firefighter who writes the Internet blog Firefighter Hourly, described Thomas' resignation as "another step in the process" of improving the Charleston Fire Department. He predicted that other senior commanders would follow Thomas into retirement, creating leadership openings for firefighters who "buy into" modern tactics and procedures. "What we're seeing here through all of this is really the birth of a 21st century fire department," he said. Thomas's post-retirement plans aren't clear. Reality TV show personality Richard C. Davis of Trademark Properties, a friend and supporter of the chief, said Thomas' retirement won't diminish his standing in the community. In fact, Davis plans to offer Thomas a job. "He is a community leader," Davis said. "No matter what his title is, he is still Rusty Thomas and a vital part of this community. And he always will be." Thomas' life devoted to fighting fires JAN. 28, 1958: Russell B. Thomas Jr. is born into a family of longtime firefighters. JUNE 1976: Thomas graduates from Fort Johnson High School on James Island and immediately joins the Charleston Fire Department at age 18, turning down a baseball scholarship. JAN. 13, 1989: Thomas becomes a battalion chief. 1990: Thomas earns "Fireman of the Year" award from the Exchange Club of Charleston. JUNE 17, 1991: An explosion at the Albright & Wilson chemical plant kills nine workers, prompting an investigation of the Fire Department's safety procedures. JAN. 9, 1992: Thomas begins tenure as fire chief. MAY 1998: The Insurance Services Offices gives the department a Class 1 ranking. JUNE 18, 2007: Sofa Super Store fire kills nine city firefighters. JUNE 28, 2007: Charleston Firefighters Association President Roger Yow calls on Thomas to improve safety standards to match national guidelines. AUG. 18, 2007: An independent panel hired by the city to evaluate the Fire Department and what happened at the Sofa Super Store fire releases an emergency report identifying deficiencies needing prompt attention. They include staffing shortages, lax safety enforcement and failure to keep pace with modern national firefighting techniques. MAY 8, 2008: National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety releases draft federal report critical of the department's handling of the blaze. The report cites lack of water as a defining problem the night of the fire. MAY 14, 2008: Thomas announces his retirement as fire chief. -- Compiled by Nathan Frandino Reach Ron Menchaca at 937-5724 or rmenchaca@postandcourier.com. Reach Glenn Smith at or 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 46 comment(s)
Posted by Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better on May 15, 2008 at 1:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You're next Joe Riley- do the right thing and step down as Chief Thomas just did. You can't expect us to believe that all the fault lay at his feet and that you were completely innocent in this matter. A good leader accepts responsibility for the faults in his organization. You've done nothing but deny any fault all along. It's time you do the citizens of Charleston a favor and step down. Thanks for the 32+ years, now let's have some responsibility and change.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 4:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley's turn. Resign or be forced out.
Posted by carolinadude on May 15, 2008 at 5:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Professional politicians are a huge part of our societal ills, and Joe Riley is no exception. He's been in the ivory tower far too long.
Posted by now_ready1 on May 15, 2008 at 5:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
'The Charleston City Council had been largely absent from the debate over Thomas' future with the department. Their requests to meet with the expert panel for updates on the investigations and to be more involved in the process have been rebuffed by Riley. Several council members expressed continued support for Thomas, though most said they weren't surprised by his decision.'
*** Their requests to meet with the expert panel for updates on the investigations and to be more involved in the process have been rebuffed by Riley. ***
And you wonder why the City of Charleston (WalleyWorld) is so messed up!
Riley, its time for you to go!
Posted by whalernut on May 15, 2008 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get off Joe he has nothing to do with it. Before the fire everything was fine. He is an elected official and joe has got this city going in the right direction. Besides who else is going to do it. And with what experience level.
Joe pushed him into retirement and that is what Rusty did.
Mistakes were made in the department. And if you really know these peoplem they were honest mistakes.
Move on people.
Posted by moonpie on May 15, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I read yesterdays post and just sat back and let people rant one way or the other. I couldn't really believe the posters that thought it was the wrong thing for him to step down. It was his policies that put the FF's at risk; not accepting help from other depts until it was to late, using the small dia hose to fight fires, not estabilishing the safety boundaries you have read from experienced FF's, not checking the building prior during an inspection for these not seen problems, knocking the windows out and letting oxygen in, not venting the roof upon arrival, FF's not wearing PPG. These are things he was in control of. The fire was horrific but I'm afraid to say his policies are at fault.
Posted by Burntower on May 15, 2008 at 6:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Whaler,
There is no way you can believe what you just said. Charleston is stuck in a whole and though he has done some good things in his time Joe is way past his prime. For him to sit and compliment Thomas and then slip in his "I have always given the department what they ASKED for" is a bunch of sh-t he dumped on the Fire Department for years and now they are in the spotlight he loves the CFD. He is as shallow and they come!
Posted by Oppugn on May 15, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
His community involvement, frequent public appearances and devotion to his beloved city and fire department have made him a colorful and celebrated local figure.
Maybe he should have taken more time to actually "train and modernize" his department instead of becoming a celebrated local figure, if so this could have been avoided.
Posted by norv on May 15, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yep, Whaler is a Nut
Posted by gahewitt on May 15, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am very impressed with Randy Hutchinson, Billy's brother! He is keeping the focus on where it should be in memory of his brother. I have never known two brothers any closer than those two. Now, Randy, go get Riley!!!
Posted by ecm3 on May 15, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Little Joe needed to go a long time ago.
Posted by ChrisPia on May 15, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did Rusty Thomas ever Request for Funding to Correct these Conditions?(FF's wearing PPG,New Hoses ,Updated State of the art equiptment).
He Seems Like a really Good person that got Stagnant in his leadership role.As a leader He should have fought Tooth and Nail to improve his Fire Department and Training.
There is Nothing More important than the Safety of the Community and the Members of the Fire Department and First Responders.Unfortunately, when the public loses faith in the Leadership of the Department,It directly affects the Rank and file.
Stepping Down Now will start the process of Healing and Improving The Department to always strive to be better and learn more .
I wish Chief Thomas the best on His retirement and Hope He finds Peace and Rest.Thank You For Your service.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 15, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rusty was a failure as a Chief (a deadly failure at that) and I'm glad he is finally gone. It should not have taken this long. The problems that resulted in the deaths of the fire fighters last year existed long before the fire and someone in city management should have seen those problems and taken action to get them corrected.
I've heard many say that Riley has done great things for Charleston. That may be true but he has out lasted his usefulness and is now hurting the city. Hopefully, one day, someone competent will challenge him for the position. To date, I have not seen anyone run for mayor that could do any better than Riley.
Posted by scnative4ever on May 15, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Larry Garvin will be the next one to step down(retire).
Posted by Paul on May 15, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just a coincidence Rusty "retired" just before the final report. Now if only Joe can see reality and leave office with some sort of self esteem and graciously depart from city politics. In other words, don't let the door hit you on the way out, Joe !
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Richard Todd with WTMA is a big Riley supporter. He thinks Riley is not in anyway shape or form responsible.
Todd doesn't understand the business world or what "management" encompasses with you are the Mayor of a town or city.
Fire fighting is a life or death profession. It comes with risk that these brave mean knew were always there. To try to even say the SSS is responsible for these 9 mens death in whole, or even in part, is totally wacko.
The families are being mislead by bad attorrneys. They are out for money. And that is the sole reason for the lawsuits. MONEY!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
whalernut,
Joe is going to fall. The peasants (as he calls them) are grinding their axes.
Posted by Kelly23 on May 15, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a human we are are always looking for a excuse for something or who we can put the blame on. This situation is very tragic but these men knew their job consisted of putting their life on the line. No matter if all the right equipment was used or we had the best fire chief on the earth we would still try and blame anyone we can or say something was defective. Honestly, I dont think he did that bad of a job if he did then we would have had many more problems before this, such as other tragic fires. I have not heard of any but anyway remember the people that served their life doing this and stop trying to place blame on one person. What good is going to come out of placing blame on someone?
Posted by ColdBeer on May 15, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kelly23, assinging blame where it belongs allows you to take action and fix problems so that these types of incidents are not repeated.
The reason you haven't heard of these types of problems in the past is because Charleston has many fires, but very few of them are of the scale that can lead to so many deaths. This one was not even to that scale. It should have never have happened and would not have happened with proper leadership.
Posted by coahtrtaylor on May 15, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You are all clammering for Mayor Riley to step down, and thats your right to make those statements, but it seems to me that Charleston City citizens continue to vote him into office. This is a elected position. Maybe Charleston City citizens should look at their voting records for the last 32+ years and then decide who really is at fault that Riley is still in office. I agree he needs to be removed from office, but that has to be done in the voting booths. Change needs to take place. Think about June 18, 2007 when you cast your ballot.
Posted by PalmettoHawk on May 15, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I posed a question to my Mother-in-law yesterday that went something like this, "How do we know that Mayor Riley didn't hand Chief Thomas a budget figure and tell him to make the CFD's expenditures for personel and equipment fall into that figure?" That allows Mayor Riley to say that he gave the department everything that they asked for, doesn't it?
I will reinforce that I do not know either gentleman personally, Chief Thomas sounds like an honorable man full of good intentions and sincere. But was he beholden to Mayor Riley for his appointment? Was he just a "yes" man for Mayor Riley due to his appointment and status as a native Charlestonian?
There are a lot of questions that remain hidden behind locked doors where no one wants to go, but this catastrophic loss of life (property can be replaced) has Mayor Riley in the position of a deer in the middle of the road with headlights coming at him from every direction.
Posted by MSC on May 15, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley is a fraud. He's not a mayor, he's Director of Tourism.
Posted by carolinagal on May 15, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You wil be missed Rusty! Good man, good soul. Enjoy your family.
Posted by PalmettoHawk on May 15, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On July 6, 1994 just outside Glenwood Springs, Colorado twelve smoke jumpers died on Storm King Mountain in the South Canyon fire. I stopped one day to read the brass placard memorials that the City of Glenwood Springs had placed in Two Rivers Park near I-70 that runs through town.
While I read the first biographical memorial, tears began to form in my eyes and before long my vision was blurred to the point I needed to wipe my eyes dry several times in order to read about each one of the twelve.
It is my hope now as a resident of Charleston that a fitting memorial would be erected on the site of the tragedy and I would be most in favor of a state of the art fire station/training facility with a memorial to each of the fallen being accessible to the public without becoming an impediment to the business of fire prevention.
It won't bring any one of them back, it won't replace Sons, Fathers, Brothers, Uncles or Granddads but it will keep their memory alive for generations of citizens and fire fighters from across the country.
Posted by lyfe1999 on May 15, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You guys are amazing. You did not want Gregorie for Mayor. You did not want Bailey for Mayor. You did not want Washington for Mayor. You did not want Fulmer for Mayor. You get what you asked for. If you want him out start a petition to recall him. In other words poop or get off the pot. Ranting here on the Blogger changes nothing. You have to get out into the street organize and make things happen. And for the record Richard Todd is not a "Riley Supporter". Bob George for Mayor.
Posted by BILLYBOB on May 15, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
KING JOE ALWAYS LOOKED DOWN ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND DIDN'T SUPPORT NEW THINGS--EVEN TIRES ON THE TRUCKS DIDN'T MEET D.O.T. WALK AROUND REQUIREMENTS AND THEY WERE TOLD TO DRIVE UNTIL ONE BLOWS OR SHOWS THREAD - RUSTY WAS A PUPPET AND WILL NEVER TURN ON JOE (AS HE SHOULD HAVE YEARS AGO)- I HAVE SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE FIRE DEPTS IN AND AROUND CHARLESTON (4 CFD)-- THEY ALL WERE SCARED TO SPEEK UP CAUSE RUSTY WOULD HOLD IT AGAINST THEM
RUSTY IS THE BEST PERSON YOU COULD WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND AND ALSO THE WORST ENEMY YOU COULD HAVE IF YOU DIDN'T DO IT HIS WAY--IF, CFD IS GOING TO BE THE BEST, GET READY TO SPEND A TON OF MONEY--WHO WOULD COME INTO THIS MESS FROM OUTSIDE TO BE CHIEF WITHOUT A SOLID BACKING (MONEY FOR EQUIP AND TRAINING)FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OFFICIALS
Posted by Charles_Town on May 15, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CB once again I agree with your statements. I do not think Riley is making a lot of good decisions at this point. In the past he has done some pretty good things, but there has not been a better candidate lately.
Posted by RGray on May 15, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is embarassing to know a man with the expertise of this fire chief is being forced into retirement. If his department had the funding prior to the deadly fire, there would be an entirely different senerio to this scene. The public needs to know this chief or any department head can only function at the level afforded by their govermental heads allow. Let us all hope and pray the successor to this chief has more support in his efforts to protect the people and property of Charleston.
Posted by IMOC on May 15, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It always surprises me that there are enough of you Conservative, un-educated, morons, that continue to bash not only Chief Rusty but also Mayor Riley. I would be willing to bet that most of you do not have an actual basis for your hatrid towards these men. They have both devoted their lives to serving you folks. Those nine deaths are not the cause of Rusty or Joe. You people just want to play the blame game and you've picked them to blame. Why don't you blame your GOD. With the attitude you are using you would be better off blaming GOD for these deaths than the fact that Charleston Fire fighters didn't have what they needed. Start thinking before you talk. And please do not pass along this narrow minded thinking to your children. The South will never move forward as long as you people keep thinking the way you do.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 15, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IMOC, I don't have a god, and if I did, I doubt he'd take charge of the CCFD. He'd most likely go fishing with me and maybe drink a few cold Bud Lights. Rusty was in charge. Did he once stand up and say "I'm not getting proper funding and it's going to cost lives"? No, he didn't.
Conservative, un-educated, morons? Again I have to add that as you pass through puberty and gain some perspective of maturity, you'll find that you can get your point across MUCH more clearly if you don't result to name calling. Especially since you don't know the education level or value make-up of any of the posters.
Peoples opinions differ... get used to it. Your opinion being different from another’s doesn’t, in itself, make you any more intelligent than the other. This time, you’ve proven that just the opposite is most likely true.
Posted by sc_native on May 15, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Once Joe is forced out of office, can we rename the riverdogs stadium and erase all memory of this idiot?
Posted by IMOC on May 15, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It just baffles me that you think that Rusty stepping down and your call for Joe to step down will change anything. What do you expect to happen next? Had those men not died do you think that the state and feds would have been so eager to properly fund the dept. We all live in a country that is lazy. We waite for something bad to happen in order to fix things. How many people are willing to stand up for something without some huge event occuring in order to get the people motivated. If there were all these problems with the city and the fire dept for so long then why haven't people raised up before hand. Do you really think the next Chief and Mayor will be any different.
And to the sc-native that wants to change the name of the ball park... I want to remind you that Joe didn't want the name to be after him. He in fact asked for it not to be. If you take his name off the park then I say we start taking Strom Thurmond's name off of things, it's not like he ever did anything but get re-elected. He never passed a bill, and let's take Glen McConnell's name down too. Do you have any idea how much money could have gone to schools and instead went to the Hunley. I agree the Hunley should have been preserved but he could have done that all from private funds.
Either way, no one is perfect. I just hate to see everyone blame Rusty and Joe for things that are not completely their fault.
Posted by a_set_love on May 15, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley, you kept this man in charge of the fire dept and you kept the fire department starved for adequate funding. If you did not understand how incompetent the fire chief was, as indicated by this report, your judgment must come into question.
I expect to see your resignation on the governor’s desk by Monday morning.
Posted by JohnS on May 15, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Joe will be our mayor until he decides to retire. I wonder how many are asking he step down can even vote in the city election process ? The radical union tried to get the mayor out last fall. It was no contest. The chief has many friends and supporters. He will be missed.
Posted by Paoa on May 15, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lack of funding did not kill those 9 brothers. Read the Routley report and you will know where to lay the blame! And the union (IAFF) isn't radical. It is for the brothers on the CFD JohnS !
Posted by Chasgirlie on May 15, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow... I SUPPORT CHIEF THOMAS AND JOE RILEY! AS FOR ALL THOSE "BASHERS"..... THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. I HOPE THE IDIOT IN LINE TO FILL RUSTY'S SHOE'S CAN DO IT. AND... FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T LET ANYTHING HAPPEN TO YOUR RESIDENCE OR PLACE OF WORK IF U ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO BASH THE WAY THE CFD GUYS WERE TRAINED. THEY MAY END UP SAVING YOUR SORRY BUTT'S ONE DAY DOING SOMETHING THAT THEY WERE TRAINED AND NOT THAT WAS PROTOCOL!!!
Posted by PalmettoHawk on May 15, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FYI for those interested, I made a couple of phone calls to find out that only the Governor of the State of South Carolina has the ability to remove a mayor from office. There evidently is no other recourse for those who are interested but to contact (deluge) the office of Mark Sanford with their desire to have Mayor Riley removed from office.
There is your recourse, what you do with the information is up to every individual.
Posted by Chasgirlie on May 15, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I STILL SUPPORT RILEY!!! I WILL MAKE SURE TO CALL AND TELL WHOEVER THAT I THINK HE DID WHAT WAS NECESSARY AND IS A GOOD MAYOR. OKAY THANKS
Posted by LiveYourBestLife on May 15, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rusty,
Your choice of retirement and time with family is good because of your great service. you led a life few would choose to live and no enjoy your retirement for a job well done.
Our prayers are with you...thanks for your service.
Posted by lexylady on May 15, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
IMOC, do you honestly believe all of that Bull---t that you are putting on this post? You can't be that naive; and for the record, on your best day you can't beat ColdBeer on his worst day!!!
Posted by luvmydogs59 on May 15, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Quoted from another article:
"You don't lose nine men and not have someone answer for it."
I've posted in a few threads today and what I'm saying is the same for all...antiquated equipment, antiquated fire department, poor leadership and a preventable tragedy!!
As for Joe Riley, he was on Live 5 talkback segment the other day. The anchor asked him if he had any plans to step down. Riley's answer was an emphatic "NO"! He's going to continue to spend every day, till the day he dies, with his head in the sand. The voters of the City of Charleston keep voting him in. The only way he'll step down is if he kicks the bucket. Although I don't live in Charleston County, I feel that the citizens of Charleston deserve better!
Posted by burton on May 15, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think one thing everyone is missing here is that a new Chief has to be picked. Will King Riley involve City Council or any other independent parties or will it be his decision alone to make like always? Charleston has a strong mayor, weak council form of government so we know the answer to my question already.
I still blame each and every voter that has continued to elect this man mayor for the past 32 years. You have made King Riley feel as if he is omnipotent and omniscient. You created him so live with him and his decrees!
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 15, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people, for the most part are INSANE!!!!
Things ALWAYS go WRONG in catastrophic disasters.... some things can not be planned...
Remember the good times.....
The Charleston Fire Department is just the 26th station out of 88,000 nationwide to achieve a Class 1.
They RECEIVED the HIGHEST Rating you can get... Class 1.. only 25 others got this and Rusty led them to this honor... you all loved him!!! how quickly you swines turn on somebody!...
"Thomas spent hours on the phone with the ISO people, trying to figure out what the department needed to do to improve."
He spent weekends riding through neighborhoods, checking to see if there were enough fire hydrants."
On May 4 the good news arrived.
"We got a 92.38, and we only needed an 89," Thomas says proudly. "I think this is the best department in the nation."
Why didn't these experts who rate these fire departments pick up on all theses so call GLARING WEAKNESSES and give corrective action... why.... because they were not there.
I hope all of you low life pigs that thrive on humiliating a fine Public servant can experience the pain that Rusty is going through... He would not wish it on you, because he is a far better person than I... but I do wish it on you... and I hope you truly are responsible...
I love these Monday morning quarterbacks (auditors)coming in and giving blame... it should be known that they are the same Saturday Morning quarterbacks thay gave the Charleston Fire Department their highest Rating!!!
I am DONE!!!!
Posted by dr_fed on May 15, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Must be real uncomfortable being a Riley supporter. I mean bent over and on your knees all the time. It must give you a distorted view of the world from that position, the position of continually getting screwed! F*ck Joe Riley, he needs to be held accountable.
Posted by BRAVEST on May 16, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm a Firefighter first not a writer so here's my thoughts.
Before my recent move south I laid to rest hundreds of men I knew, loved and served with for years. I can tell you this. Chief Rusty Thomas is in an agonizing hell that is in part his own doing. I feel bad for him and yet he failed to learn the lesson I hoped all chief officers would have learned from FDNY's worst day. As a firefighter, I want to belt him behind the station. As a brother, I want to hug him and let him know he's not alone. I hope you see there is no "fix" to make the department better. Politics have and always be a game to those who's lives are not at risk every day. It is a shame Rusty can't stay and I say that because this I know. At night, Rusty puts his wife to sleep, closes the back door quietly as not to wake her, and falls to his knees crying on the lawn for hours and hours. He will do this for years. A guy like that wont play politics ever again, cut corners or take what the city gives him for a budget. I agree he has to go as does the mayor, you have to break the cycle of "go along, get along".
Rusty if someone show's you this.
Say your sorry, ask forgiveness, be honest. It feels better than hitting the backyard every night. Nobody puts their head on your pillow at night except you.
Best wishes Brother. FDNY SOC
Posted by bvfd271 on May 16, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish Chief Thomas the best in his retirement.Having known Chief Thomas for several years before I chose to leave SC and return to my native State of Virginia it did not take me long to realize that Chief Thomas was a good person who supported the Community he lived in and City he served for so many years.If some of you recall the same thing happened with former Chief Wilmot Guthke who retired shortly after the Albright-Wilson Chemical explosion,again in which the CFD was unprepared for and did not have a plan of action for that as well.Do you see a pattern here like i do?As the City of Charleston grew and boundaries expanded from a primarily residential city,to a City of mixed structures of residential,commercial,and industrial,as the City grew,the Department failed to grow along with it in respect to updating equipment and methods as required by State and Federal Laws.At the Albright-Wilson explosion i can remember hearing reports of CFD Firefighters on the scene not wearing protective equipment with chemicals in the air around them.I do not understand Chief Thomas refusing the offer from St,Andrews,and other Fire Department to use the larger diamter hoses and thermal imaging cameras.I cannot say using them would have changed the tragic outcome of this fire.I feel the same as many of the Firefighters of the CFD,Chief Thomas's resignation is a step in the right direction to promote healing within the CFD.I lost a friend that day as many others did,having worked previously with Engineer Brad Baity.A new Chief should be hired from outside the CFD and once hired,refuse to be a political puppet for Joe.For years Joe touted the CFD as the best department in the nation and used that line to push for annexation into the City.A Fire Department with 20 Stations,shiny and expensive fire appararatus,and a Class 1 ISO rating does make a Fire Department any better than a Fire Department with a Class 2 or 3 rating.With Charleston being primarily a residential city,a Class 1 ISO rating doesn't make that much difference in reference to insurace savings for homes.A Class 1 rating affects rates for Industrial only.I wish Chief Thomas the best and wish the CFD the best also in healing and recovering from this tragedy.