THE CHIEF-LEADER welcomes letters from its readers for publication.
Correspondents must include their names, addresses and
phone numbers. Letters should be submitted with the understanding
that all correspondence is subject to the editorial judgment of this
newspaper. Letters can be e-mailed to: RSTEIER@RCN.COM or
mailed to: Richard Steier, Editor, 277 Broadway, Suite 1506, NY, NY
10007.

UNGRATEFUL FDNY

Ungrateful  FDNY

To the Editor:

I read your story (March 24 issue) about the dying Paramedic who was refused transportation for cancer treatments because the guy driving the truck said he could only transport firefighters. Her husband shouldn't take it personally - the Fire Department does things like that to all of us.

When I was a city firefighter, I had an operation. The surgeon told me to stay off my feet as much as possible for five weeks.

While I was recovering after the operation (a two-day hospital stay), the Fire Department called the hospital to make sure I was in fact there. I was instructed to call the F.D. Medical Office when I got home.

When I called the Medical Office, I was told to report the next day. I told the person on the phone I was supposed to stay off my feet for five weeks and I couldn't drive. I was told, "The Fire Commissioner orders you to the Medical Office and get there the best way you can."

I wound up taking the Long Island Railroad and the subway. When I reached the Medical Office, the Fire Department doctor removed the bandage, looked at the stitches, replaced the bandage and sent me on my way. It was a long and painful trip for a look-see.

It was not until afterward that I was told about the transportation available for injured firefighters.

CLINTON SCHMITTERER, Ladder 21 (Retired)