Scoppetta Insensitive

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my profound disappointment in the recent comments made by FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. While listening to a station on my car radio I heard an exchange involving the show's host, Karen Hunter, Fire Capt. Paul Washington (president of the Vulcan Society) and Commissioner Scoppetta.

Commissioner Scoppetta commented that the KKK-type hood that was worn by a white firefighter to annoy a black firefighter in a Brooklyn firehouse was just a bad joke blown out of proportion by Captain Washington's brother, Lieut. Kevin Washington. Kevin happens to work at the firehouse where the act occurred, and he mentioned the event to Captain Washington some time after.

Well, excuse me, Commissioner Scoppetta, but the Vulcan Society was founded 66 years ago in part to combat this type of racist behavior. It shocks me to think that given the history of our country, anyone could not understand why this egregious act (which symbolizes hatred, horror and terror) wouldn't be a cause for concern among these African Americans and others, myself included.

I'd like everyone to know (especially my brothers in the field) that this type of joke is never acceptable to African-Americans. With 22 years on the job, I certainly understand the firehouse culture for good-humored pranks; however, when derogatory language or symbols of torture and murder are put upon an African-American, in my opinion an act of terror has been committed.

The concerns I have were exacerbated when the investigation was conducted by the Fire Department's EEO office. Due to my personal experience, I have no confidence in this office. The conclusion was that the incident did occur, but due to extenuating circumstances there would be no significant penalty. Although I may not advocate the loss of this member's job, I do feel strongly that the lack of a serious consequence sent the wrong message as it relates to this administration's so-called tough EEO policy.

Needless to say, the commissioner's insensitive remarks about why this grievous act was the fault of two African-Americans who blew a so-called bad joke out of proportion are absurd. In fact, I feel that it is a slap in the face of every AfricanAmerican who dares to be offended.

There was a need for an action that would have sent a strong message to FDNY members. This opportunity was missed, ironically, just prior to a recruitment effort to attract more minorities. With the starting salary at $25,100, coupled with the latest turn of events, I find it hard to see any success in this administration's current recruitment strategy.

Moreover, what troubles me most is that the bond, the battlefield trust has been severely damaged by both of my white brothers (the retired firefighter whose phone comments triggered the incident and the one who wore the hood), with whom I have crawled down the halls and rooms of serious fires in the past. In my opinion, the firefighter's bond should always be strong because of our committed efforts for the safety of one another. Unfortunately, I must say that I am very disappointed in my so-called brothers.

If I were to work with these or with any other member guilty of this type of offense where I'm in a dire situation, how much confidence should I have in these members if I needed them to come to my rescue? Unfortunately, the answer is, not much.

Overreaction, you might say? Well let me give you another situation. How should an African-American feel about those who have shown a depraved indifference to African-American life by hanging on the back of a parade float, mocking the brutal death of James Byrd in Texas several years ago? Once again, is this just a bad joke blown out of proportion? And there was also the insulting appointment of one of the Amadou Diallo shooters who was assigned to a level "A" firehouse in East New York, Brooklyn. I ask the FDNY: what message are you sending to African-Americans? Sure, I'm aware that these situations have only occurred a few times (to the public's knowledge), but it's a few times too many.

What should I say to my 17-year-old son who wants to be a city Firefighter, and who, like the rest of my family for the last 22 years, has always heard me speak of the wonderful brotherand sisterhood we share?

Now he's not so sure anymore. What shall I say to all the young boys and girls whom I've mentored for the last nine years as an FDNY Explorer Post Adviser? Although I have been excluded from and denied the support of this administration as it pertains to being a program mentor, I will, however, continue to tell all people that this is still the greatest job in the world. And this I must do because of what was shown to me 22 years ago by the senior members of this job. Because of the majority of this department, I also believe that there is no other camaraderie (other than the military) that is greater than the fire service.

But the nonsense must stop now. And in conclusion, here are my items for "Constructive Suggestions" to correct the failed attempts at recruitment and diversity.

A) Send a strong and sincere public message that minorities are welcome in this field. Provide the suggested testing, both written and physical.

B) Expand the Explorers youth mentorship program with a full commitment by reaching out to Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians in the field with motivating incentives for ongoing (year-round) support as mentors. This department has always had a relationship through firehouse/ EMS station interaction with youth in the various communities. This tradition needs to be stepped up. The Police Department is very successful with this program. The FDNY should be, too.

C) Do a better job of supervising the High School for Fire and Life Safety. As was reported in the April 30 Daily News, the students there do not have a relationship with the field members. As the article suggests, that bridge must be developed. Also, during a recent visit to the school, I witnessed a predominant number of disinterested students, many of whom were very disruptive and were rude to the instructor. The bar for academic expectancy needs to be raised because of this special vocational privilege.

D) Reinstitute the Cadet Program. It is the primary reason that minority percentages are up as it relates to recruitment efforts. The Cadet Program could certainly be one of the keys to maintaining a student's interest in the fire and emergency services.

FF BRUCE STANLEY, Ladder Co. 80