E.R.A.S.E. HAS JUST LEARNED THAT THE KENTLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION 33 IN PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MARYLAND IS FACING A $ 16 MILLION DOLLAR LAW SUIT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND CASE # CAL-07-14623. IT HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF FIGHTING INSIDE A BURNING HOUSE FIRE AND INJURING OTHER MEMBERS. MEMBERS FROM THIS DEPARTMENT ARE ALSO PAID FIREFIGHTERS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE CHIEF AT THE KENTLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT TONY KELLEHER , ASSIGNED ON SHERMAN AVENUE N.W. , STATION 4, WITNESSED MEMBERS OF HIS DEPARTMENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ACTING IN A BARBARIC MANNER AND ALSO HIS MEMBERS SETTING A PROBATIONER ON FIRE. CHIEF DENNIS RUBIN AND ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF BRIAN KEITH LEE , IN CHARGE OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS, NEVER PLACED THIS MEMBER ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. HOWEVER, OTHER MEMBERS HAVE BEEN PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FOR LESSER OFFENSES. THE LAST TIME E.R.A.S.E CHECKED, SETTING SOMEONE ON FIRE WAS ARSON AND/OR ATTEMPTED MURDER. THIS IS THE SAME FIRE HOUSE WHERE THE SEVERAL OTHER MEMBERS AND OFFICERS IN THE D.C.FIRE DEPARTMENT ARE IN CHARGE.

STAY TUNED MORE TO COME

AND REMEMBER, E.R.A.S.E HAS EYES AND EARS EVERY WHERE...

The Spook has been busy again

The spook just uncovered that at engine 19, a Black firefighter ran over a rock slightly damaging the fire truck and was given an official reprimand (serious business), which was not his fault and clearly an accident. Several days later on his shift a white firefighter hit a parked car with a fire truck; he was given a 169 admonition (not serious business). The difference here is the type of objects the fire truck hits and of course the color of the firefighters. Shame…shame…shame...

The Spook also found out that the fire department's kangaroo court [better known as the Trial Board], which has been known for ganging up on firefighters with any number of witnesses against the firefighter, has recently stated that a firefighter can only bring three witnesses. This is not covered in the Firefighter's Red White and Blue books (these documents cover rules governing the responsibilities and actions of the fire department, the union and individual firefighters).

Nepotism gone amok...

The Schaefer family has five members in the Fire Department, ranging from Chiefs, to Captains to New Recruits. The new recruit did not pass the physical or mental portion of the Firefighter's training, but, unlike more than 28 black DC residents who have been recently tossed out of the Fire Department for not passing the same test, the family has protected this recruit and he is a firefighter today. We are saddened to report that it has been alleged to E.R.A.S.E. that the younger Schaefer, because of an accident, has some physical and mental challenges.

The truth surrounding the character assassination attempt on Mark Burr, firefighter and gentleman. Read this story and you decide:

On 2/13/07 I was asked to lie about the “plate incident.” (After someone made a statement Lt. Crowe threw several dishes at 2 Firefighters (Quick note: Lt. Crowe was demoted to Sgt. and became the aide to the First Battalion Fire Chief, located at engine 12), striking both the white and black Firefighters in the face and head, causing massive lacerations. One firefighter who lost a lot of blood was taken to the hospital immediately; the other, who was knocked unconscious, had to be convinced. Please note that this was a criminal assault.

After the plates were thrown Chief McClafferty asked Lehan what he should do. Sgt. R. Lehan proposed a cover up story to the Battalion Fire Chief McClafferty while I was present. Chief McClafferty then stated that he did not want to get the police involved or the media, since they were waiting outside the firehouse to get more coverage of the D Street fire we had just returned from. The cover up was to say that the plates fell from the kitchen cabinet of Engine 30 and struck the two firemen in the head. lBy the way there are no cabinets in Engine 30.] Sgt Lehan also stated that the Deputy Fire Chief Ellerbe did not need to get involved and he didn't want this event to leak to the media. (The media coverage of DCFD at the time was negative; this was around the time of the alleged prostitute ring at Engine 27.)

Chief McClafferty then asked Sgt. Richard Lehan (now Lieutenant Lehan) if this story would work. Sgt. Lehan replied and said that it will if all the guys will agree to it. Right after Sgt. Lehan made that last statement, they looked to me for approval. I refused to comply with that story, saying, “there is no way I can lie about what just happened, and if I have to put out a special report in writing I will tell the truth.” Chief McClafferty and Sgt. Lehan both shared an expression of frustration and Chief McClafferty then stated that we have to tell the truth because he did not want this to come back and bite him in the rear later. Lt. R. Lehan called another firefighter and asked him if he would lie and he responded “No” and hung up. Lt. Lehan threatened me soon after that plate incident saying that he was going to get rid of me. I did not take Lt. Lehan seriously after he made his threat; but then I noticed how he showed a special interest in my annual physical that was soon to come. Lt. Lehan and Capt. Ceglie would ask me about my physical, what the date was, had it been approved in front all my crew members every morning. They would joke about drug use i.e., crack, coke and marijuana, behavior that I did not participate in. They would call the Police and Fire Clinic (PFC) consistently about people who they were interested in. After my physical on11/19/07 I was recalled to the Police and Fire Clinic to resubmit a urine sample on 11/20/07. The purpose of this test is still unknown.
2 firefighters called me and said that Dept Aide Sgt. Eddie Lehan (twin brother of Lt. Richard Lehan) were questioning the entire house about my social habits and if anybody hung out with me to verify any drug abuse problem.

Chief McClafferty said that I had to be retested because my urine was light. There is a scientific question surrounding that statement - what does light mean?

In the car on the way to the PFC for my retest, Lt. R. Lehan's twin brother, Dept. Fire Chief Aide Sgt. Eddie Lehan, asked how long I had been working with the Fire Department; I told him 4 years and then he stated to me that, I "must be one of those stupid M-----F------s who would lose their job for doing stupid S--t.”

Even if it was true, the Substance Abuse policy states that you are allowed a second chance after rehabilitation. (See Firefighters Bulletin 1, 1989 and 5, 2007…; note that Bulletin 5 is unofficial.)

I had questions about why I had to be retested. Some comments from the lab technicians and Police and Fire liaison were that I would not be protesting the retest if I didn’t already know it was dirty. Chief Begley, who is in charge of the PFC, is also a “rumored” member of Lt. R. Lehan’s clique; Lehan is also affectionately referred to as 'the Godfather'.

My test results came back positive for marijuana and thus I had to begin a rehabilitation(12/14/07) program to return to work, a program which I completed in January of 2008. After completion of the program the powers that be still went forward with my termination. My rehab counselor from Kaiser Permanente, Lee Budahn, and Rebecca Montgomery, my Case Manager while in the counseling program, both stated that I did not fit the criteria for the program, that I never exhibited signs of an addict. However, they were informed by the fire department that the program was mandatory in order for me to return to work. I have been negative in all my drug screens since completion of the counseling program. I have been testing weekly since that date of 11/20/07 and the two subsequent drug test results left me more puzzled than before. On 11/19/07 I was told that I submitted a diluted sample; 11/20/07 was the first positive test, 11/30/07 was a negative result, and on 12/04/07 was another positive result for marijuana. 12/11/07 was the first a negative test after that and it has been negative ever since.

I am now facing termination from the DCFD and have been barred from all Fire Department grounds and functions by the Assistant Fire Chief Schultz, who also shares a close relationship with Lt. Richard Lehan. To my knowledge, there have been several other firefighters whose tests have come up positive, however, they have not been barred from the Fire Department and functions. I have written this Assistant Fire Chief several times for an explanation of the reasons why I have been barred from the fire stations; to date, I have not been given a reason that reflects the Fire Department policy.

The Battalion Fire Chief Begley of the Police and Fire Clinic threatened me about termination (12/07/07) before I started drug counseling. This individual shares yet another close relationship to the Assistant Fire Chief Schultz and Lt. Lehan. As you can see I have the odds stacked against me with an issue that is neither a part of my character, nor a habit I own. The reason for this? Well, I think it's evident; I didn't agree to lie and now I have a drug problem - how convenient!

The Union, Local 36, was and has been fully aware of my situation from the very beginning and has been of no assistance. They have not intervened, even upon request from me.
Firefighter Burr is now going through Trial Board procedures (which is about as fair as getting a fair trail at Guantanamo Bay), where he has been referred to by the prosecuting attorney as a "Stoner." A transcript from his Trial Board can be requested through the DCFD.

Another Example why E.R.A.S.E.'s demands are for:
-A Judicial Review
-A Citizen's Review Board
-A Congressional Inquiry
-Getting rid of the do-nothing union
-Getting Lt. Lehan out of our neighborhood along with Fire Chief Rubin; Deputy Chiefs Brian Lee and Lawrence Shultz out of our community (latter 2 MD residents). Also add to the list Training Coordinator Stamey (with his 6 figure salary) and fake instructors Dickey and Murphy, NOT certified and all non-DC residents!

Hot Off The Press!

On Friday, June 13, 2008, Captain Vanessa Coleman (one of only two female Captains, assigned to firefighting) spoke as a guest on the WPFW (89.3FM) radio talk show “In Our Voices”, hosted by Madame/Sister Nkenge Toure. Some of the following topics were discussed on this segment:

• Open Practice of Racism amongst the rank-and-file especially toward Minorities
• How members like Captain Coleman have been targeted by head officials, for reporting indecent and unfair treatment; i.e. Racial Discrimination, Sexism, Nepotism, Retaliation, Harassment, and Disparity of Treatment
• The systematic breakdown of resources within the department which are no longer dependable for obtaining relief, and, that the integrity of relief is likely to be compromised due to a prejudicial conflict of interest
• The Lack of Equal and Diversified Hiring especially of Minority City Residents
• The lack of quality recruit EMS instruction provided at the main Training Academy, especially training specifically designed for new entry level recruits to the field of Firefighting & EMS
• Nkenge asked Captain Coleman (18 year Veteran) about her 1^st fire. Captain Coleman shared that the day the fire call came in, there was great anticipation, a little fear, but mostly the knowledge that she had a job to do; and with the assistance of her team, she fulfilled her job, successfully putting the fire out.
• In many words, Captain Coleman expressed that there are many personal insecurities and ignorance which provoke the abuse toward women in the male-dominated culture of the fire department. Nonetheless, despite all opposition, women have proven over and over again, that they can “do the job”, and do it well! Now, the network and bond has become stronger through the integration of lady firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics.

So there you have it, at a glimpse! Diversity, in all its splendor - beauty, brains & strength. They’ve joined their forces as “Women Serving in the Fire Service”.

• Captain Coleman suggested that those who share the reported concerns regarding the issues of racism, sexism, and disparity in the fire department – should continue expressing their concerns and demands for change to Fire Chief Dennis Rubin, The Mayor, their Ward Councilmember. I will venture to add that you share it with anyone and everyone who will listen and is willing to aid you in making a positive change! “You must let your voice be heard...Stand Up & Be Counted!” You can obtain all government official contact information through the www.dc.gov website.

And... stay tuned for the complete record of the interview, coming shortly.

Dear Sirs:

June 11, 2008

Dear Sirs:

Since January 2007 to date, moreover, since the devastating March 2008 Mt. Pleasant Street fire, I’ve witnessed and raised many concerns about the ethical, moral, and social character and condition of our department. Specifically, among the head officials who manage our services and operations on a daily basis. I’ve been a proud member of my department for over 18 years. I’ve worked hard to climb through the ranks and make a positive difference, in each place I’m assigned. Never before during my service have I observed such impropriety as I have witnessed since the turn of the century; and again, that impropriety shines out most among our management. Such impropriety between officials is to be compared to combat. The primary difference here is that the casualties that are taking place are not among the enemy, but are resulting from concealed acts of “friendly fire”. This simply should not be! Many of the improprieties arise from a lack of commitment to properly enforce the rules, regulations and policies. If and when the policies are enforced, they’re not enforced with equality, consistency, or respect. I highly honor the foundations of order which have been put in place by our forerunners to protect and conserve the department’s trust and great name. And though I recognize that we’ve gained on the scale of economy, we’ve also become drastically deficient in our principles and humanity towards our own. Integrity; Equality; Integration & Democracy are all faces without a name. Simply stated, these truths should be self- evident to all who see and wear them. My petition is, as each of you strive in your respective capacity to assure the efficiency and integrity of governmental operations and services to the citizens and visitors of the District of Columbia, I ask, that you duly remain relentless and faithful to also protect and support those employees who earnestly and tirelessly serve and assist you in “making the mission happen.”

Advocate of the Fire Service,

Captain Vanessa Coleman

DC Fire & EMS

Engine 21 in Adams Morgan

Cc: Fire Chief Dennis Rubin

Mayor Adrian Fenty

Councilmember Jim Graham

Councilmember Phil Mendelson

More Radio Time

Capt. Vanessa Coleman will be on WPFW 89.3 FM on Friday June 13, 2008 at 11:30 am. Stay tuned, be alert and aware.

Trust the Good Ole' Boys... They Never Disappoint!

This past week, The Spook was trying to relax and went to a Nationals Baseball game on Thursday. Attracted by some commotion, on investigation found that the police were escorting out two of DC's finest. Yes, Officers/trainers Dickey and Murphy who had invited some recruits to a baseball game at the Nationals Park, proceeded to get drunk, so drunk they became belligerent and had to be escorted out of the ball game! Such professionalism! Such a display of leadership! A true demonstration of impropriety and grossly unacceptable behavior - an embarassment to the city in front of impressionable young minds and the public! (And, they tried to keep it a secret!) [Unqualified, uncertified trainers who just don't know how to conduct themselves in public.]

Furthermore, there is a Recruiting Session scheduled for Saturday, June 14th. Yet there has been no notification anywhere we can see and definitely not within the District of Columbia. Lets put that in the things that make you go hmmm file.