CLEVELAND — The Association of Cleveland Fire Firefighters, Local 93, has registered a “no confidence” vote in Cleveland Fire Department Chief Angelo Calvillo.
In a “record turnout,” Local 93 members voted 604 to 16, “clearly stating we have no confidence in Angelo Calvillo.
“This vote was brought forward as a grassroots effort by our members and stems from a long list of safety concerns,” IAFF Local 93 said in a press release announcing the results of the vote. “These safety concerns have been ignored, inadequately addressed or denied by Chief Angelo Calvillo over the last three years, safety concerns which directly affect fire fighters and the public.”
Supervisor staffing levels is one of Local 93’s main concerns. In a recent arbitration hearing, “Chief Calvillo testified that his budget does not allow for staffing of sworn, certified supervisors to fill vacancies on our fire apparatus.
“On any given day in the city, a full one-third of suppression companies may not have sworn, certified supervisors to mitigate emergencies involving risk to life and property,” the statement read. “Additionally, up to 50 percent of Chief Officers may be staffed with acting supervisors.
“Chief Calvillo has chosen a course of action that exponentially increases the risk to firefighters and the most vulnerable in our city. Best industry practices, born from line of duty death reports, require certified supervisors to be in charge of fire companies. Chief Calvillo testified that if he were to appropriately staff apparatus with properly certified or trained personnel, it would result in his having to brown-out companies.”
In addition to the staffing issues, the firefighters union claimed that Chief Calvillo “has neglected our equipment needs and violated the Ohio Administrative Code, which requires annual testing of pumpers, hook and ladders and personal protective equipment.”
Also, the union was concerned about “the state of disrepair” at many of Cleveland’s fire stations.
“Over 50 percent of our pumpers and hook and ladders have been rated as being in fair or poor condition,” the union claimed. “Two of our pumpers, both nearly 18 years old, have been rated as being in poor condition and have been recommended to be replaced, and yet, are still in service.”
The union also took exception to Chief Calvillo’s staffing and training members of the Fire Investigative Unit and Fire Prevention Bureau.
“Fire prevention efforts are the most cost-effective and efficient way to prevent fires and save lives,” the union said. “Chief Calvillo has failed to properly staff, train and equip members of the Fire Prevention Bureau, diminishing inspectors’ abilities to mitigate and enforce code violations.
“With the continuing residential development in high-rise buildings and the conversion of commercial and industrial properties to residential occupancy, a fully-staffed, trained and functioning Fire Prevention Bureau is a necessity.”
After voicing their concerns, Local 93 members called upon city leaders, namely Council President Kevin Kelley and Cleveland City Council, to investigate their complaints against Chief Calvillo.
“As with most examples of systemic failure preceding disaster, the Cleveland Fire Department now exhibits multiple levels of deficiency. Unless these concerns are addressed, we believe our lives and the lives and property of our citizens will continue to be placed at unnecessary risk.
“Our goal is to improve safety for our firefighters and the public.”