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Not Criticizing All Chiefs

To The Editor:

It is not surprising to me that FDNY Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano (June 5 letter), would deliberately try to misrepresent what I said to The Chief-Leader.

My comments were clearly directed at Chief Cassano and his politically appointed Staff Chiefs. What I said followed City Councilman James Vacca's statement, when he stated, "I think the Borough Commands are duplicative and I do not see why we need that bureaucratic layer."

There is no question FDNY Battalion and Deputy Chiefs are entrusted with enormous responsibilities and perform in the highest tradition of the New York City Fire Department. Chief Cassano has settled on a divideand conquer philosophy to divert attention from his failure to fight for Firefighter and public safety.
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY,
President, Uniformed
Firefighters Association