Gallant to remain firefighter advocateThe Post and Courier
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
City Councilman Jimmy Gallant On the night of the Sofa Super Store blaze, panicked families raced toward the scene for word on the fate of their loved ones. As the night wore on and the news grew increasingly dire, the Rev. Jimmy Gallant was assigned the task of telling the gathered families the cold truth. "I had to tell the families that all those firefighters had perished," he said Tuesday. "That will go to my grave with me. I have the pain of those nine families." Gallant, a police chaplain, said that memory from June 18 stays close to his heart and compels him to work to improve the Fire Department. And despite his tense exchange with Mayor Joe Riley on Monday in which he resigned his post as chairman of the Public Safety Committee, Gallant intends to remain an advocate for firefighters. "I am still going to be their voice. I'm not going to abandon those guys. I'm going to fight even harder." But Riley said Monday night's theatrics will change nothing about the ongoing efforts to improve the Fire Department and the respective roles of the mayor and City Council in that process. Gallant called the meeting to question nearly 50 promotions and transfers approved by Fire Chief Rusty Thomas last week in the waning days of his tenure. Thomas, whose last day is June 27, has been sharply criticized for his department's handling of the fire. Riley and his administration insist the promotion process was fair, professional and methodical and that the transfers were simply needed to ensure stations are fully staffed. But some firefighters who were transferred think the moves were payback for speaking publicly about safety concerns, the need for a new chief and other issues. Retired Fire Capt. Ricky Koger, who hugged Gallant after the councilman left the meeting, said he doesn't blame Gallant for leaving and refusing to take part in something he believes to be morally wrong. "It was dog-and-pony show," he said. "And if a man of the cloth says something is wrong, then I'm going with him." Still, Koger said he hopes Gallant will stay on the committee and provide a voice for firefighters. In the aftermath of Monday's emotional standoff, questions remained about Gallant's intentions. Riley said he's under the impression that Gallant not only stepped down as chairman of council's Public Safety Committee but gave up his seat on the panel as well. Gallant said he did, in fact, resign from the committee. But already he's hearing from council members who want him to continue heading the panel. He said he will listen to his colleagues and is not ruling out a return. For now, he's focused on clarifying council's rights and powers. Gallant and other council members are scheduled to meet today with staff in the Attorney General's Office. Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.Riley said he has given no thought to who might replace Gallant on the committee or whom he would appoint chair. But Riley said Monday's meeting did nothing to change the mission of the committee, which is to review ordinances that affect city police, fire and emergency services. "One thing we know is that they don't have personnel responsibility for the police and fire departments — never have. If that needed clarification, then (Monday) night's meeting helped clarify that." City Councilwoman Yvonne Evans, vice chairwoman of the committee, agreed with Riley. "This committee's duties aren't as broad as some people might have hoped. I'm sure the attorney general or whoever looks at it is going to say the power is limited." Evans hopes council members can come together for the good of the Fire Department. "That Fire Department doesn't need us bickering. They need us to help them move on." Former City Councilman Henry Fishburne said disagreements will continue as long as there is uncertainty about the scope of council's duties and responsibilities. He said the council needs its own attorney to help settle these questions. "If the city attorneys work for the mayor, then there is a conflict of interest and they need their own lawyer. I think the mayor and legal staff are overemphasizing the mayor's powers." Gallant said he agrees and intends to bring the matter up for discussion before council. Against Riley's wishes, City Council recently demanded a larger role in selecting the city's next fire chief and voted itself the authority to interview finalists for the job. A prominent recruiting consultant hired to help with that search said Tuesday that council likely will get a chance to speak with the top finalists before a new chief is hired. But he stressed that the final choice will be up to the mayor. Jerry Oldani, senior vice president of Waters-Oldani Executive Recruitment, said he expects the nationwide search to take 100 to 120 days, with a new chief likely selected by mid-September. He said the city will be looking for candidates who have served seven to 10 years in the top ranks of a fire department at least as large as Charleston's. That person probably will have experience working in an urban environment with historic structures, but also should have a grasp of modern firefighting methods, Oldani said. The city needs a forward-looking leader who has experience achieving national accreditation for a Fire Department, he said. He expects the city will receive resumes from 40 to 50 potential applicants. Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724. Reach Glenn Smith at gsmith@postandcourier.com or 937-5556. |
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Comments
This article has 24 comment(s)
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 4, 2008 at 1:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish Mr Gallant would stay on council. We need him to fight Riley and get him out of office!
Please come back Mr. Gallant. The war with the tyrant has only just begun!
Posted by a_set_love on June 4, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr.Riley, I've been wondering why you never put in for any AFG Grants (Assistance to Firefighters Grants)from FEMA. Many of the other fire departments in the local area did and received grants. Multiple grants in some cases over a 7 year period. Grants of $60,000.00 to almost $200,000.00 to be used for new equipment and training.
This would have been City of Charleston taxpayers federal tax money coming back home to the City of Charleston to better the fire department. As the person in charge of running the City of Charleston (your words not mine) you got them, "NOTHING"!
And you, a Citadel graduate too. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.
See the amounts awarded and to whom at ->
(On the form you can search by state and click on the year to search.... 2003 - 2007)
http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/awar......
Posted by whalernut on June 4, 2008 at 5:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Gallant you sir have big un's!
Dont forget Riley is so old that he remembers public hangings.
It is time for major change in this city.
Posted by a_set_love on June 4, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder if similar lapses in competent leadership have occurred while Mr. Riley controls the major departments of the City of Charleston government. (Your words not mine, Mr. Riley)
Posted by a_set_love on June 4, 2008 at 5:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, looks like part of the link didn't show. It should read ->
http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/awar...
Posted by a_set_love on June 4, 2008 at 6:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Doesn't want to print that link, does it. The missing part is awards/07. When you select a year it will let you search by state.
www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/awards/07/
Posted by tellthetruth on June 4, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jimmy Gallant a preacher! Come on people. Him and Robert Ford were both car salesman. Do you really think they would tell you the truth! Stupid is what stupid does! Ask some of the people they exploited when they juiced them on the cars they bought from them. You gotta look at these peoples past before you can place them on these pedestals. Just my opinion.
Posted by Early on June 4, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a friend that was a car salesman, now owns seven business in the Charleston area, a very wealthy man so what's your point?
Thank you Rev. Gallant for your public service. We need more folks like you to represent us, stay as a servant to God and as a public servant.
Posted by ColdBeer on June 4, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Gallant, thank you for your service. Your efforts are well appreciated by the public.
Mr. Riley, I honestly believe you have screwed this one up beyond repair. I doubt even the powerful Clinton spin machine could save your political career after this mess (not that they would try). Your days as Mayor are numbered. Finally.
Posted by CHRISJIII on June 4, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev. Gallant you need to stay on the council. To leave and have no input whatsoever is letting Riley win and get off of the hook. He cannot be trusted and there needs to be a change in the city's form of government. I still say that the governor needs to look into Riley's misdeeds and call him on them by removing him from office.
Posted by desspec on June 4, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Any time a public official calls the media BEFORE he or she calls their special meeting, you have to wonder about the real intentions ...
Posted by PalmettoHawk on June 4, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Quoting from the article, "Former City Councilman Henry Fishburne said disagreements will continue as long as there is uncertainty about the scope of council's duties and responsibilities. He said the council needs its own attorney to help settle these questions. "If the city attorneys work for the mayor, then there is a conflict of interest and they need their own lawyer. I think the mayor and legal staff are overemphasizing the mayor's powers."
Of course there is conflict of interest when the legal staff work for the MAYOR rather than the citizens of the City of Charleston.
Ouoting from the article, "Against Riley's wishes, City Council recently demanded a larger role in selecting the city's next fire chief and voted itself the authority to interview finalists for the job."
The man has become self-obsorbed and doesn't learn well from past mistakes. This is NOT the sign of a good leader at all.
Posted by oldglory on June 4, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
a_set_love - yours is a very interesting post with that referenced site. Odd that it's never been mentioned, or perhaps I just never noted it earlier.
Why in the world would not every fire department eligible for this grant have taken advantage of it? I guess it becomes more obvious that a lot of leaders must still be be playing checkers (your place or mine--fire house or city hall?) instead of researching for the latest funds/technology/information exchange now available online.
I must say when the U.S. Gov't offers those large amounts to update fire departments/equipment, etc., it brings tears to my eyes and anger to my heart all over again that nine lives were lost to even greater stupidity than first realized--good ol' boy tactics and know-it-alls and little kings.
Posted by preachlove on June 4, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev. Gallant, keep the pressure on! We support you! This corrupt machine has managed to function unchecked for far too long!
Posted by Girleygirl on June 4, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would not give a rat's tail if Gallant was a male stripper first and then elected to the council. He called Riley out and Riley did not like it. All of a sudden Riley wants to go by the book so he can tell folks what they should or should not do. Mr. Gallant needs to stay and all of the city council needs to question everything that is done.
City council time to pay for that lawyer so you can know what you can and can not do! Riley is like a little dictator.
Posted by BillMan on June 4, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gallant has not said he is leaving council, just the Public Safety Committee, he is still going to be on City Council! I believe Gallant is thinking of running for Mayor in a few years now that it seems Riley will not run again! I think he has won at least a few supporters with his stands against Riley, I know I would support him!
Posted by justbeingme on June 4, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Watch your back Mr. Gallant !! I'm sure that King Riley has a trick up his sleeve because you stood up to him. I wish more persons on council would get on board!!! Continue to stand for what is right !!!
Posted by CaptPete on June 4, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Speak out against the chief and get your days changed to where you can't see your kid play little league ball. Does the union provide you with a person to go to the game in your place? Get that in collective bargining next time.
Posted by Eyes_N_Skies on June 4, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Commmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!! Donttttttt Letttttttt the SLIMEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WIN!!!!!!! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!!!!!
TA HELL WILL RILEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by jameschucktown on June 4, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas, Get some sleep. Gallant did not resign from City Council; he resigned from a committe. Dumb. And stupid.
Posted by eatmorecollards on June 4, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Open the books, lets see if what people are saying is true, lets look at everthing, not just the last page of the city's annual finatial statement.
Posted by burton on June 4, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is why you don't make decisions when you are upset. Resigning was the worse thing he could have done. He should have stayed on. King Riley will do everything in his power not to let him back as Chairman of the Public Safety committee. I'm just glad someone on council FINALLY grew a spine and is standing up to King Riley. Where is Kwadjo when you need him? LOL
Posted by BillMan on June 4, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
burton,
I agree, I think Gallant got frustrated when Riley ruled the meeting out of order and then resigned in protest! I bet he wishes he had not acted in such haste! He can do alot more to support the firefighters on the committee than off it, although his resignation at least got him some good PR!
Posted by cfdfamily on June 5, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would have been nice if Gallant had been this interested in the fire dept. before the SSS fire. Firemen have been asking for change for years and no one was listening.