Statement Concerning the Springfield Fire Commission and Proposed Ordinance Change to Hire Acting Commissioner Joseph Conant

The history of the Springfield Fire Department is a picture perfect example of structural and institutional racism. This notion is borne out by the fact that it took federal intervention to correct discriminatory practices in this public institution. The City of Springfield is among the few cities and towns in Massachusetts still subject to a federal consent decree regarding minority hiring within both its police and fire departments. While some are fond of calling this a quota system," this assertion distorts the reality of the purpose of taking race and sex into account as a legal remedy for specific cases of discriminatory exclusion. For far too long Springfield has done little to voluntarily provide compensatory opportunities to members of groups disadvantaged by discrimination. It is with this in mind that our branch stands in opposition to reducing the qualifications for the position of fire commissioner for the express purpose of hiring the otherwise unqualified acting commissioner. Far too often, members of the majority community have enjoyed the privilege of unearned advantages, which has a negative impact on our society. Each week, we receive numerous complaints from communities of color, women, the disabled, and others that face real, overt discrimination, along with structural inequalities through many or perhaps all stages of their lives. These inequalities hamper their ability to seek higher education, compete in the job market and advance in other fields of endeavor. Watering down the requirements for the sake of a single preferred candidate sends a a questionable message to the rank and file within the fire department, our youth, and city residents? It only solidifies the wellknown adage that, its not what you know, its who you know. This policy will send a message that it is less important to focus on academic
P.O. Box 90163 Springfield, MA 01139 (413) 650-6154

achievement and qualifications than it on posturing for political favors when seeking city employment? Furthermore, the experience of communities of color is that the rules are more often than not, changed to make it more difficult for us to compete for high level positions as opposed to making it easier. African Americans and Latinos have had a difficult time advancing within the Springfield Fire Department as evidenced by the fact that we only recently celebrated the appointment of the first ever African American Captain and Latino District Chief. Which calls many of the practices of the department into question. Question 1: Since it is common practice and civil service law that when one passes the test for elevation and is at the top of the list, that they are placed in that vacant position on an acting basis until permanently assigned, why was this practice not followed when filling vacancies for both the District Chief and Deputy Chief positions? Why did it take nearly half a year to finally appoint District Chief David Colon into his current position as opposed to appointing Robert Schewchuck as acting Distict Chief when he was not qualified for the position? Why did it take behind the scenes intervention by city officials and activists on behalf of District Chief Colon to finally get him appointed to a position he deserved? The city celebrated his appointment, yet was not forthcoming concerning the uphill battle against the tide of a resistant internal administration that was fought to get him appointed. Question 2: Similar to question 1, Why has the acting commissioner appointed Glen Guyer as Acting Deputy Chief of Operations when qualified officers were available to fill the post? District Chief David Colon not only passed the test for promotion to his current position, but he passed the test to be promoted to the position of Deputy Chief. Was he not considered for this post? Captain Michael Richards also passed the test and is available for promotion to that position, yet Deputy Chief Guyer, who has not passed the test and has reportedly not taken the test holds a position that he is not qualified to hold. Why is that? We understand that Mr. Guyer was the best man at Acting Commissioner Conants wedding, however, that should not give him the privilege to hold a position that can

be filled with qualified men within the department. Question 3: Two years ago a group of firefighters wrote a letter detailing their concerns with the department. One of the chief concerns was an ongoing atmosphere of discrimination and outright racism that has created a hostile work environment for many of them. Sadly, two years later, the same sentiment has been expressed by many of the firefighters that we have spoken to over the past two weeks. Two years ago, they wrote, unfortunately, racism and classism is [sic] alive and well within the upper administration and Public Information Office of the SFD. While it is common knowledge among firefighters, the individual from whom the public receives most of its department-related information has a wellearned reputation as a bigot. That letter was referring to firefighter Dennis G. Leger. It went on to describe language that Mr. Leger was accused of using. Phrases such as: When will these niggers understand? and Im not getting that spic anything. These accusations were not made by a single firefighter but corroborated by many. As a matter of fact, the report commissioned by the Control Board by Buracker & Associates refers to the use of the N word by Mr. Leger and criticizes the lack of a proper response by the department in the matter. Why then, would Acting Commissioner Conant keep Mr. Leger as Executive Assistant to the commissioner given the very tenuous relationship he has with firefighters of color as well as others throughout the department? In addition to the questions we have raised, firefighters, a consultantss report, ongoing conversations and even the Civil Service Commission itself critique the fire departments procedures for evaluating personnel, appropriations of funding, hiring practices, on the job racial bigotry and cronyism by those in authority. Actions at the highest level of city government by the mayor and city council can ill afford to add to the questions and concerns of our fire department by reducing the qualifications of the head of Springfields fire department to the benefit of one whose personnel decisions are questionable and qualifications minimal. We need a reasonable conversation on any changes that will be made and a search to identify the best-qualified candidate to lead the citys fire department.