Waltham Fire, Police Unions: 'No Confidence in Mayor'

Waltham’s municipal election is weeks away, on Nov. 3, when Jeannette McCarthy takes on challenger Thomas M. Stanley for the mayor’s seat.

Waltham’s firefighters and police officers collectively announced a vote of “no confidence” in Mayor McCarthy.

The unions representing the first responders cited a number of vital safety shortfalls that they say put first responders and residents in danger.

“We do not have a list of demands, and we are not shaking our fists calling for an extravagant raises. We just want to work in a safe environment free from structural collapses, rodents, and expired safety gear,” said Fire Lieutenant John Ferrick, president of Local 866, in a statement. “The mayor has ignored first responders and has resorted to the tried and true political tactic of calling us greedy. We are not greedy. We risk our lives for our community, and all we are asking in return is safe equipment, working fire trucks, and fire houses without sinkholes.”

“We do not come to a conclusion like this lightly,” added Fire Lieutenant Steve Centofanti, Vice President of Local 866, in the statement. “No one else would like it if the floors in their office were collapsing and there were rodents running round their desks. Firefighters are no different. This vote reflects many years of frustration.”

Waltham Firefighters, represented by the International Association of Firefighters, issued the vote of No Confidence last week. Both Waltham Police unions followed suit this week.

Firefighters listed among the problems that 15 percent of the city’s fire hydrants are either broken or in need of significant repair. They also note out of spec fire boots and gear that were beyond their lifespan, replacing them with their own money. The fire department said the mayor ignored requests from the department. Several grievances have been filed in relation to unfair labor practices, said the announcement.

Several fire trucks are out of service, they say, adding that the department uses a 32-year-old ladder truck.

“Fire trucks are constantly breaking down due to age and lack of upkeep, requiring the City to spend more money on maintenance and repairs than in the last several decades,” said the release.

The unions argue that the mayor was to replace the Moody Street station as part of her master plan, but that support died down and it is “on the back burner.”

“The Mayor, in violation of the law, refused to pay a firefighter who was deployed overseas as a member of the United States Military,” they said.

The police department cited among its problems mold and leaks throughout the station, outdated computer systems, patrol vehicles in need of repair and lack of funding for training and supplies.

“Our officers face potential risks/stress every day on the street. It is not unreasonable or greedy to expect a clean sanitary work environment be provided for them. Nor is it unfair to ask for the replacement of outdated equipment to enhance their safety,” said Sgt John Brooks, president of the Waltham Police Superior Officers Union, in a statement.

The mayor responded that she’s appropriated $1 million in funds for new buildings, and purchased new equipment for the fire department, said NECN.

The municipal election in Waltham is Nov. 3, when McCarthy takes on challenger Thomas M. Stanley for the mayor’s seat.