Jackson Free Press

Phone calls from irritated firemen have driven Mayor Frank Melton to pull the confirmation of interim Fire Chief Todd Chandler.

"I've gotten numerous calls from firemen who say they don't think Mr. Chandler has the experience to lead the fire department," Crisler said. "I can't speak for everybody, but I think at least six council members now stand against the confirmation of Chandler."

Melton has put the confirmation of Chandler on the council agenda numerous times in the past, but always pulled it after testing the waters and learning that Chandler does not have a council majority. Six council members purportedly stand against Chandler's confirmation, with only Ward 5 Councilman Frank Bluntson still backing him. Bluntson told The Clarion-Ledger that he preferred to keep his ears trained toward Melton rather than phone lines. "I'm not going to be persuaded by telephone calls," he said.

Melton's tactic, in the face of rejection, seems to be holding out until he can get a majority decision, instead of selecting another appointee for the vote. Melton has pulled the confirmation vote at least three times, and some council members are getting annoyed by what they consider Melton's insistence on undermining the council's oversight.

"I don't know how many times the may-or intends to submit and then withdraw Chandler's confirmation, but the Fire Depart-ment needs to have a chief," said Ward 2 Coun-cilman Leslie McLemore. "He needs to go ahead and submit this man's name for a confir-mation so we can have the vote and move on." Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler said he has learned that state law demands the council vote on Chandler serving even as interim chief, though Crisler did not press the issue during his time as council president.

Capt. Brandon Falcon, head of firefighters' union Local 87, says Chandler does not have the experience to run the department. "This is not meant to be an attack on Chandler, but many of us just don't believe he has the expertise to handle the job as chief."

Chandler did not return calls to the JFP for comment.

Melton first appointed Chandler last year amid outcry from members of Firefighter's Unlimited, an unofficial union of firefighters outside Local 87, who argue that most top positions inside the Fire Department are held by Local 87 members, which they say is an illegal act of bias against non-union members.

Chandler originally had the support of many Local 87 members, but some of his decisions have alienated him from them.

Sniffing sharp shortfalls in the city budget, Melton demanded the elimination of overtime and budget cuts in all city departments. Chandler complied with little argument, but also moved to cover holes in the short-staffed department by limiting firefighter presence on trucks from four riders to three, advising that a second truck from a different station can rush to the scene if it does not already have its hands full.

But the method results in delays, claims Falcon, which could become the center of attention with a few more fire deaths like the one resulting from a July 8 fire on Euclid Avenue. Also, federal laws restrict firefighters from entering a burning structure without adequate back-up. Falcon says the three-person practice forces the department to routinely disregard NFPA's (National Fire Protection Association) "two in/two out" requirement, putting individual firemen's workman's comp at risk.

"I've seen trucks move out of here with only three people on them several times," said Station 23 Capt. Reuben Ray. "In order to handle the fire situation properly, we have to wait for back-up from a different station between five and 10 minutes away. Five or 10 minutes can cost a lot of property damage."

Chandler's three-person rule also puts the city's ISO rating at risk, raising the possibility of higher homeowner insurance within city limits, according to JFD Rescue 23 Capt. Sidney Johnson.

Falcon said morale within the department is at an all-time low.

Previous Comments

ID

66655

Comment

Is this not proof that Frank's head is as hard as granite? It is painfully obvious that Chandler is not the man for the job. Why Frank is so persistent is anyone's guess. Mayby Chandler has something in his pocket like a rabbit's foot or something. If our insurance goes up because of the mayor's hard head, what is his excuse going to be then? I have enough to worry about just trying to buy gas. Now I am learning that my insurance could go up too because the mayor is playing games? I for one say that Chandler should go on to somewhere he can get things going. When the firefighters are coming out public like this, then mayby we need to listen.

Author

rufus

Date

2006-07-19T20:51:27-06:00

ID

66656

Comment

...Bluntson told The Clarion-Ledger that he preferred to keep his ears trained toward Melton rather than phone lines. “I’m not going to be persuaded by telephone calls,” he said..... OKAY....now someone explain to ME how Bluntson got elected to the position of councilman for ward 5 without the public? So is he saying that he does not have to heed the request or listen to opposition on this or any other topic by the same people who put him in his position? WOW - makes for a great campaign speech for next election doesn't it? Ex: "Voter's, I thank you for choosing me to represent you in this past term, and although I don't feel you are important enough to listen to your concerns if I don't feel like it, hey, would you be so kind as to put be back in for another term?" This killed me.....the man had to USE the public to get the vote for the position but now he doesn't have to take our calls? Don't worry - Bluntson, for the next term election, I won't be available to take your calls, or flyers, or hear your lies......but someone will represent Ward 5 -although I assure you, MY vote won't be included!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-07-19T20:53:44-06:00

ID

66657

Comment

I agree with you Rufus, but Chandler dosen't care if our insurance premiums go up. He dosen't live in Jackson. I have kept up with the firefighters concerns about Chandler since he has been in his position. I also agree that something stinks to the high heavens about this whole issue. If Chandler cannot get the votes he needs to get confirmed, why dosen't he just step down and put the interest of the fire department first? I'll be willing to bet that he probably would do the job for free just to say that he is the chief. Has anyone looked on the city's website and read Chandler's resume? It's a joke at best. No wonder the firefighters are so upset. According to the information that he listed, he would have to be at least 55 or 60 years old to have accomplished all that he claims, but he is listed as being in his early forties. I really feel for the firefighters. It seems that Melton is not only the police chief but the fire chief also.

Author

lance

Date

2006-07-19T21:02:41-06:00

ID

66658

Comment

Sorry.....I had to add, regarding the issue at hand: If the mayor cannot receive the majority vote for confirmation of Chandler to the position of Fire Chief after ONE YEAR - there is obviously a reason! Duh?! I would think Chandler would be tired of being the obvious 'plow-boy' for the Mayor to drag around! Is their no pride there? If you've been put on the docket repeatedly, then taken off, because their obviously is a lack of confidence......I would say, stop this cycle. Does Chandler not realize that thus far he continues to be the 'butt' of all the jokes by the same people who should respect him? I would think someone would explain this to him since he apparently does not mind the role Melton is placing him in.......patsy! I have often heard the phrase, "where there is smoke, there is fire!" when you have firefighters coming out in public in opposition of Chandler being named fire chief, there is serious room for doubt. The media is repeatedly trying to make this into a black/white issue, although I heard Mr. Falcon on the radio last week, along with another fireman who was black, both in opposition. They also BOTH said, race was not the issue of Chandler's confirmation being oppossed.....so when does Chandler stop letting Melton embarress him in public, and Melton realize that even HE must follow laws. According to Chrisler, even the interium chief must be confirmed!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-07-19T21:04:05-06:00

ID

66659

Comment

...Bluntson told The Clarion-Ledger that he preferred to keep his ears trained toward Melton rather than phone lines. Bluntson is doing the same thing that his idol Frank has done. He got us to vote for him, now he has put us aside like day old beer. Those two should be put in a room together and throw away the key. If we really want to send a clear message, then we should put these type of individuals out of office just as we put them in. Every since Bluntson's incident at the JDC he has been a loyal supporter of Frank unconditionally.

Author

rufus

Date

2006-07-19T21:10:37-06:00

ID

66660

Comment

Another thought, Melton said early in his administration that he didn't care if a person lived outside of Jackson as long as they could get the job done that he needed for them to do (remember Pat Fordice). Today he said that he was considering putting toll booths up because people that live out of Jackson are coming into Jackson working and not contributing to Jackson's economy. Duuuuuhhhhh??? Just how many of these people has Melton hired? Chandler for one is probably getting paid hamdsomely to be the fire chief. Does he leave his money here in Jackson? Since he is the fire chief does he get to take his car home (out of Jackson) while we buy his gas ($3 a gallon)? Mayby he should let one of the homeless that he is trying to help be the fire chief. At least they are here in Jackson.

Author

lance

Date

2006-07-19T21:18:13-06:00

ID

66661

Comment

You'd think Chandler could read the writing on the wall. Granted, I hate unions...

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-07-19T21:23:03-06:00

ID

66662

Comment

I think Frank's statement "I don't know what kind of fireman he is, but I know he is a good person" in last weeks Clarion Ledger sums it up. How in Hades do you noy know the answer to what kind of firefighter he is if you hire him to be the chief? Please!!!

Author

dawgdaddy

Date

2006-07-20T06:13:32-06:00

ID

66663

Comment

How in Hades do you not know the answer to what kind of firefighter he is if you hire him to be the chief? - dawgdaddy Yoou're absolutely right DD. This is another case of Melton telling one lie to cover up another one. When he first appointed Chandler as interim chief he bragged about how a firefighter such as Chandler could bring a new perspective to the department. Well, if you call a$$ kissing a new perspective, then I guess Chandler's the one. It is becoming very clear that he does not know anything about managing a large group of people. Also it shows his inability to manage a large budget. Melton had all departments trim five percent from their spending. The firefighters said that they are having to bring in their own supplies (toilet paper, soap, etc) just to survive. They also said that there is no overtime. Does this equate to five percent? If 5% broke the fire department, is seems that they may have only been given a few hundred dollars to operate with for the whole year!

Author

lance

Date

2006-07-20T07:42:39-06:00

ID

66664

Comment

I am a firefighter and do not like to run short staffed because it does increase the work load. But we have been running short since 1995 or earlier. This is nothing new. In fact in 2004 we were running short on all units except rescue units because of budget shortfalls. At least the current Chief sends an extra unit to each call which keeps us up to full staffing. Our response times have not changed nor has the citizens protection. As far as our insurance rating the Fire Department is only about 40% of the rating. I am sure that we will rate high. The water department as well as communications are another part of the rating. So get all the facts before getting upset. I would also like to state that most of the people contacting the city council about the Chiefs confirmation are those that have lost their position or security blanket. As far as Brandon Falcon being concerned about running short he was assigned to Rescue 14 on Lynch street which has more runs than most units. Brandon abandonded his unit to go to a meeting and left them running short, why was he not concerned at that time. He didnt even let his superior know he was leaving. ISO rating, The Chief has been working very hard to ensure a good ISO rating, he has been operating with a skeleton crew of a command staff to keep as many in combat as possible. The command staff should consist of at least 8 members which he has only had 3 including himself. As far as his fire fighting abilities I am sure that most would say that he would classify as one of the best. Falcon stated to me that If Chandler would appologize to local 87 for not fully following the contract and replace his two division chiefs that he is sure that he could pursuade the City Council to confirm Chandler. Now what does that tell ya. Let me (Falcon) make all the calls and run the fire department and I will make it happen.

Author

TRAVIS

Date

2006-07-20T10:46:29-06:00

ID

66665

Comment

What doses Falcon know about running a Fire Department anyway. He sounds as if he is an expert. Maybe he wants the job. It amazes me that We have had chiefs on this department that have not been combat firefighters held no degrees,etc.... we even had one that could not pass a certian requierd test after seven trys which was requierd to run his 5 man department and was still elected to be fire cheif.

Author

TRAVIS

Date

2006-07-20T10:58:21-06:00

ID

66666

Comment

If anyone wants to take a gander, Chandler's "bio" is available here. It's not really a bio, nor is it quite a resume. I have to give the fire department credit for at least having a Web site with some helpful information, such as an organizational chart. Or at least, I have to give the police department discredit for failing to have any operational Web site for at least the last year. How long can it possibly to take to build a site? Will we see that same "under construction" page a year from now?

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-07-20T12:38:41-06:00

ID

66667

Comment

As far as our insurance rating the Fire Department is only about 40% of the rating. I am sure that we will rate high. - TRAVIS Isn't 40% a lot to risk for our insurance? And is it true that Chandler not only dosen't live in Jackson, but the car that he is driving home is paid for and fueled by the taxpayers? Finally, why do the firefighters have to buy their own soap and things? I really hope that this gamble pays off. I remember reading that the former chief said that we should be okay as far as keeping our rating and that this is done every ten years. That's a long time to pay a high premium because someone was too proud or just too pigheaded to step down. If we get to keep our rating, then what about all of the other concerns that the firefighters have talked about?

Author

rufus

Date

2006-07-20T13:59:35-06:00

ID

66668

Comment

Rufus stand up and say who you really are......Its just a few of the firefighters that are disgruntled for reasons I cant say on here because it would lead to personel issues. The former Chief should have had the ISO done while he was here he had it put off for two years. It sounds as if you are a firefighter in hiding.

Author

TRAVIS

Date

2006-07-20T15:48:35-06:00

ID

66669

Comment

Rufus stand up and say who you really are - TRAVIS I AM saying who I really am. If you do not want to address the questions that I asked, that's okay. But please don't attack me personally to divert the issue. I am a concerned citizen who cannot afford to pay higher taxes AND pay for someone to drive a vehicle home that dosen't live here where they get paid.

Author

rufus

Date

2006-07-20T18:30:47-06:00

ID

66670

Comment

Acutally I cant address why the residency ordiance reads as it does. I do agree that all essential emergency personel should take their cars home. In my opinion If that is the real issue then you dont have much concern. I am sure that that is no real burden on the city budget. What about all the other city vehicles that exit the city after 5 each day. True there needs to be some more guidelines set for vehicle use city wide. If I attacked you it was not on purpose.

Author

TRAVIS

Date

2006-07-20T20:08:35-06:00

ID

66671

Comment

Brian - I have to agree, the resume of Chandler is essentially a list of nothing! I would think that someone in his position, especially one who is actively in search of confirmation of said position, would be posting all of his education, and military experience, post haste! From looking at the resume (which I use that term loosely) I have to assume he has obtained NO degrees from the 3 colleges/university's that he has allegedly attended. If so, that information would be made public. Furthermore, his stating the 'veteran status' with the USMC means nothing - who is to say that he didn't attend boot camp and find a way out? Understand that I am not alledging that is what happened, only stating what can be perceived by lack of further information. On my resume I specifically list out my accomplishments stating where I received my AA the program of study and the year received, as well as for my BS and my MS. I am a veteran of the US Army and I specify state what my career field was, my rank and my length of time in service (active & in-active) I said all of that to make the point - I am not jocking for a position of a dept. head for the city of Jackson, nor putting myself in the public eye, YET my resume shows specifics. It definantly leads the public to 1) wonder what type of idiots Chandler takes us for to believe this is a REAL resume, and 2) what is being hidden? Reality is that the majority of the population in Jackson are not stupid and CAN read between the lines!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-07-20T20:15:55-06:00

ID

66672

Comment

I need to say something about Brandon Falcons statement on the Eculid Fire. If he wants to use this as an example for response times and manpower then here is the truth. There were 5 units on scene with 15 firefighters in adequate time. As I understand it the person that died got out of the house before the fire department arrived, which I do believe the first unit was there in less than 3 min. Which is commendable due to the fact that is was In the early morning hours.

Author

TRAVIS

Date

2006-07-24T12:26:32-06:00

ID

66673

Comment

I've silently watched this and other stories and forums regarding the fire department and specifically Todd Chandler's confirmation struggle for quite a while now. Up until now I haven't felt that I should speak out, but with the current attacks that TRAVIS is making on Brandon Falcon I feel that some things should be brought to light, things that I haven't seen on here in the past, but things that I feel the general public should be aware of. I want to apologize in advance for the longevity of this, as I will try to keep it as short as possible while still submitting the information. First of all I want to explain why Chandler is meeting so much opposition from the firefighters. By the way, I can confirm everything that I am about to tell you here. When it was fairly obvious that Frank Melton was going to win the Mayoral election, he requested that names of candidates who the Local 87 would endorse be submitted for the position of Fire Chief. At the time Chandra Hardaway was President, and Travis Frazier was Secretary Treasurer. Unknown to the body of the local Hardaway and Frazier submitted only two names, these two names were Charles "Tony" Davis, and Todd Chandler. When the body of the local discovered this information, people were furious. Very, very few people were in support of either candidate, and yes, we have several other qualified firefighters who not only have the required education, but who have also served in District Chief positions or higher. These candidates were purposely omitted by Hardaway and Frazier (TRAVIS Frazier). There was in-fighting in the Local for at least 3 months because of these actions. I say this to let you know that the Local never really endorsed Todd Chandler; a couple of rogue executive board members did it without consent of the body. Chief Chandler has adamantly refused to abide by the contract that the Local has with the City of Jackson, even though he is credited with having helped write it. Another thing that Chandler did, and this is a minor thing, but it kind of shows his overall character was this; one of the first memos that he produced was a memo stating that disciplinary action would be carried out on any firefighter who was caught out of uniform. Now this in itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this is coming from a man who carried the nickname ‘Captain Sweatpants’ while he was in combat because he refused to don a uniform and wore a ragged pair of sweatpants all the time.

Author

Fyrefitr14

Date

2006-07-25T21:41:47-06:00

ID

66674

Comment

Keep in mind also that Chandler is a former Local 87 President. I say this because he spoke out about things that the previous administrations did for years, things that he did from pretty much day one. Chandler closed down units, cut overtime, has harassed Union members, and now, for the first time since I have been on the department we are running our Rescue and Ladder units with just three people. These Rescue units are the ones who go in to find you or your loved ones in a fire, you need four people on these units, and the Ladder trucks require a minimum of four people to operate the ladder. What this all boils down to is that Chandler is perceived by most of the firefighters as a hypocrite. Now as for the attacks that TRAVIS is making toward Brandon. First of all isn’t it convenient that Brandon is out of country right now and can’t defend himself. TRAVIS states that it appears as if Brandon is trying to run the fire department. Someone needs to run this fire department, but Brandon isn’t trying to do anything of the sort. Brandon is speaking strictly on safety issues in an attempt to maintain the bare minimum required to operate safely. Furthermore Brandon is trying to do exactly what he was elected to do by the Local 87, and that is to get the City to honor the contract, and to treat the combat firefighters fairly. TRAVIS states: “What doses Falcon know about running a Fire Department anyway. He sounds as if he is an expert. Maybe he wants the job.” Well TRAVIS I redirect that same question to you, what does Todd Chandler know about running a fire department? Let’s compare the two, Chandler was a Captain, Falcon is a Captain, both are ex-military, Todd is a former Local 87 President, Brandon currently is the President of the Local 87, then there is the education aspect…but oh wait…Brandon actually has a degree in Fire Science………uh oh, Todd fell a little short there I think. TRAVIS goes on to say that there are only a ‘few’ firefighters complaining, and that they were people that have lost their position or security blanket. What fire department is he referring to, because just about everybody is complaining about Todd Chandler?

Author

Fyrefitr14

Date

2006-07-25T21:42:36-06:00

ID

66675

Comment

What ever you say Fyrefitr14. Be a man and come foward. Like I said before It wouldnt matter who the Chief was. The fact is we are running short staffed just as many other firedepartments are. I guess you would have rather seen lay offs or stations shut down. Sorry the one that you support is not the Chief. We have ran short on most units since 1994 once again its not that I agree with running short but if that is a sacrafice we must make then so be it for now. You seem to forget we ran short on all but rescue units last adminstration. Where were you then? I am sure that you are one that agrees that when you have a full crew its ok to run short for a couple of hours while some one goes and takes care of personal issues whats the diffrence. Come foward

Author

TRAVIS

Date

2006-07-26T20:23:56-06:00

ID

66676

Comment

Oh well thats all the time Im gonna waste with you. I guess you are one that dont attend union meetings. We did vote to endorse Tony for the Chiefs job. And you should have attended meetings to find out the truth.

Author

TRAVIS

Date

2006-07-26T20:25:59-06:00

ID

66677

Comment

I agree with one comment there TRAVIS, the one about wasting time. This forum is not intended to be a place for the two of us to go back and forth, so I won't do it. What I can say, and I can also prove, is that everything that I stated is the truth, and proof can be presented to the right people if it needs to be verified. The sad fact of the matter is that the fire department is in the worst shape that I have ever seen it be in, and a lot of that is attributed to the worst morale problem that I have ever seen. So to quote one of the less popular people in the forums here, 'And that my friends is the bottom line.'

Author

Fyrefitr14

Date

2006-07-27T17:33:07-06:00