Ed Letter: Cameras in Firehouse

To the editor:
Regarding "Security camera plan sparks privacy fight at Stamford firehouse" (news story, Feb. 9): Once again Chief Shawn Fahan is going out of his way to harass the paid firefighters assigned to the Springdale firehouse. Chief Fahan claims the need for cameras after a series of break-ins.

I was assigned to Engine 7 when one of the alleged break-ins occurred. Chief Fahan went out of his way to accuse one firefighter, going as far as having the police interview him. The firefighter accused was not in the firehouse for the entire month as it was his month to travel (work in other firehouses). Chief Fahan then requested the transfer of the same firefighter, citing the break-in as the reason. When confronted with the facts Fahan just mumbled and left the room. Since that did not work, a new excuse to mess with the paid firefighters: Someone is tampering with my fire trucks.

Why would anyone risk their job by vandalizing the Springdale fire trucks or equipment? Fahan states a stethoscope was found damaged. When was the last time that EMS bag was checked? For that matter when was the last time the fire truck was run? Daily, monthly, does anybody know?

Not that long ago Fahan accused the city of not buying new air cylinders and air-paks, because Springdale had no money to buy this important life-saving equipment. Has this vital equipment been purchased or are $10,000 worth of cameras more important? Speaking of money, was this project put out to bid or did Fahan decide, I will pay myself for doing this? I ask one favor of Chief Fahan: Please make sure you have a camera on the watch desk and Engine 52 so the public can see how many volunteers Springdale really has - one to three, not the 20 to 25 you claim. Be careful what you ask for. The public may get to see your true colors.

Kyle Pelley
Bridgeport

The writer is a Stamford firefighter from Group 2, Station 3.