Fairfield Firefighters Union President Questions Lack Of Certain Coverage

FAIRFIELD, CT — William Tuttle, President of the Fairfield Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1426, is calling out town officials in an open letter for what he says is an "ongoing failure to ensure callback Safety Officer coverage."

Tuttle's open letter (see below), which is addressed to Director of Risk Management Joey Barbera, describes the Safety Officer post as being critical during emergency incidents. Among other duties, the position is responsible for "monitoring hazards, maintaining accountability, supporting command, and helping protect firefighters operating in dangerous conditions."

"Over the past week, there have been multiple days when no one was available to work as a callback Safety Officer," Tuttle wrote. "This is far from the first time this has occurred. This is not a minor scheduling inconvenience, but a serious safety concern."

He added, "When that role goes unfilled, unnecessary risk is created for both our members and the public we serve. What makes this situation even more troubling is that there is an available solution, as one of our members has repeatedly expressed a willingness to work this assignment."

That individual, who suffered a workplace injury, has been cleared medically to perform in the role, but the town has not approved the request, according to Tuttle.

A grievance in the matter, which the union filed, is pending, but Tuttle wants answers.

"The Town cannot claim safety is the priority while repeatedly leaving key safety positions vacant," he wrote. "The Town cannot claim to reduce liability while knowingly allowing avoidable operational risk. And the Town cannot ask firefighters to trust a system that disregards practical solutions in favor of unnecessary obstruction."

Barbera was not available for comment, but First Selectperson Christine Vitale pushed back on Tuttle's claim that Fairfield is accepting a less safe work environment for its firefighters.

"Public safety is our number one priority," Vitale told Patch in a statement. "The Fire Department has a trained and qualified Safety Officer at every working fire, without exception. At emergency scenes, an Incident Safety Officer is established under the direction of the Incident Commander, using trained officers already on scene. Fireground safety is not a single position or individual, however, but is a system built into how the Fire Department operates at every incident. Department practices are guided by established operational guidelines and are reinforced through training, supervision, and real-time command decision-making.

"The Town remains committed to maintaining a professional and well-supported fire service, but does not comment on grievances governed by legal and labor processes while under review."

Below is the full text of Tuttle's letter:

An Open Letter to Town of Fairfield's Risk Manager:

Dear Mr. Barbera,

I am writing to you publicly because an issue that should concern every person in this community has become a recurring problem for the fire department: the Town’s ongoing failure to ensure callback Safety Officer coverage.

Over the past week, there have been multiple days when no one was available to work as a callback Safety Officer. This is far from the first time this has occurred. This is not a minor scheduling inconvenience, but a serious safety concern.

The Safety Officer plays a critical role at emergency incidents—monitoring hazards, maintaining accountability, supporting command, and helping protect firefighters operating in dangerous conditions. When that role goes unfilled, unnecessary risk is created for both our members and the public we serve.

What makes this situation even more troubling is that there is an available solution, as one of our members has repeatedly expressed a willingness to work this assignment. Following treatment for a workplace injury, they have medical clearance from their physician to perform the duties of Safety Officer as outlined in NFPA 1521. Yet the Town, choosing to ignore the professional recommendation of a doctor, continues to maintain that this person is unable to perform in such a role, while at the same time allowing these shifts to go uncovered.

That contradiction should concern any professional focused on risk management, which is why I am bringing this to your attention.

A grievance was filed regarding this issue over two months ago, and both Step 1 and Step 2 have been denied. While it waits to be heard in front of the Labor Board, the larger issue remains unchanged: the Town continues to accept preventable gaps in a critical safety function.

The Town cannot claim safety is the priority while repeatedly leaving key safety positions vacant. The Town cannot claim to reduce liability while knowingly allowing avoidable operational risk. And the Town cannot ask firefighters to trust a system that disregards practical solutions in favor of unnecessary obstruction.

Our members remain committed to protecting this community every day. I am asking the Town to demonstrate the same commitment to protecting those who serve it.

I respectfully urge you to review this matter immediately and recommend a resolution that places safety, readiness, and common sense first.

Sincerely,
William Tuttle, President
IAFF 1426