Questions Cloud the Future of Larchmont’s Fire Department

by Joan R. Simon

(June 27, 2007) More issues seem to have been raised than solved by Justice Orazio Bellantoni’s decision last week denying a request from Larchmont’s volunteer firefighters to stop the Larchmont Village Board from installing a paid fire chief instead of one from the volunteer ranks. (See: Judge Rules Against Volunteer Firefighters.)

The decision is definite on one point: it allows Richard Heine, a career firefighter appointed by the board in May 16, to continue serving as chief.

However, it leaves unresolved a host of questions, including: How many volunteers are leaving and how many are staying? Of those staying, what role will they play? What is happening to the Fire Council, the governing board of the department made up of volunteers? And what will happen to the assets of the four companies, or associations, that make up the volunteer part of the fire department?

Volunteers are Leaving

Counting the “leavers” and the “remainders” is still difficult at this point. An affidavit submitted to Judge Bellantoni indicated 22 of 28 active members had said they would resign from active service by the end of June. According to Jim Sweeney, a former fire chief and spokesperson for the volunteers during the law suit, as of this week, two additional active members may be resigning.

“We’re in flux,” said Mr. Sweeney on Tuesday, June 26. “Some might drop off their gear today; some might wait for the next company function and some may wait for the next board meeting” scheduled for July 23. “The members are looking for guidance and are meeting with their companies this week,” he added.

The caution is a reaction to Mayor Liz Feld’s public criticism of the volunteers’ inventory management and her comment that it would be hard to “know what they are going to walk out the door with.” Another recently-resigned volunteer reported, “There are some moves being made to coordinate bringing back gear, but since we were accused on TV everyone wants to get receipts and documentation. (See: War of Words over Larchmont Fire Department Heats Up.)

Among those who have already left is Tom Broderick, the Fire Council’s nominee for chief, who was turned down by the Village Board when they hired Rich Heine. (See: Larchmont Appoints Paid Fire Chief.) Mr. Broderick has joined the volunteers in the Town of Mamaroneck’s department. In addition, both of Larchmont’s deputy chiefs have left. First Deputy Chief PJ Abrahamsen confirmed he turned in his gear this week and will be joining a Mamaroneck Village volunteer company. Second Deputy Chief Greg Hibbard said his resignation was effective two weeks ago.

How is the Fire Department Doing?

“It’s the same as it was,” according to Chief Heine. “The volunteers are still an entity,” he said, noting that the department has been “running a little above average” in terms of the total number of calls, with only one call for mutual aid needed in the past month and a half.

Who will replace the two deputy fire chiefs? “Volunteers appoint the replacements,” he said.

However, until the dust settles, it is unclear if any of the remaining volunteers will have the tenure and training required to serve as a deputy chief. This may become clearer after the next Fire Council meeting, scheduled for July 9.

The Fire Council may also be asked to consider applications from new members or those from prior years who may wish to return. Chief Heine has said he has received inquiries from a number of individuals expressing interest in volunteering.

What Will Happen to the Fire Companies’ Assets?

Among the very complicated issues that need to be unraveled are the assets of the four Larchmont volunteer fire companies, which include substantial treasuries, an antique fire engine and numerous memorabilia.

Each volunteer member of the Larchmont Fire Department also belongs to one of the companies: Hook and Ladder, Patrol, Hose or Engine. The companies receive money annually from a department fundraiser and from fees levied on foreign companies that insure property in New York State. The membership of each company elects its leaders and representatives to the Fire Council and directs how its funds are used.

Some volunteers are switching from active firefighter service but will remain, at least for now, as associate members in their company. That will allow them to have a say in what happens to their company’s assets.

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