Chief Mastin held a staff teleconference yesterday morning to discuss a variety of topics - one of which was to discuss the recent sexual harassment and hostile work environment cases. In the conference, Chief Mastin described the recent verdict as a "small blip and a little black eye" for the department. He said, "we have a black eye. And if you keep messing with it that black eye will get bigger and won't heal. Leave it alone and it will heal. We're a family."
We are a bit concerned that Chief Mastin considers the recent events a little black eye. His suggestion that we "leave it alone" to let it heal suggests that we should sit back and do nothing. In our humble opinion, the only way for the black eye to heal, is for Chief Mastin to take aggressive action to reduce the possibility of this happening in the future. Unfortunately, Chief Mastin's standard practice has been to do nothing, and hope that it goes away.
What do you think the FC should do to take corrective action? The Big Eye has several suggestions on how this should be handled - and you might be surprised at some of our suggestions. They won't be one-sided, and will likely not settle well with people on both sides of this issue. We want to hear from you first, prior to posting our suggestions.
Brother Big Eye
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13 comments:
I think its important that for any case, we allow the judicial system to prevail. With that, depending on the outcome, some level of discipline needs to occur. In the first case (Ghetts), she won, which indicates that the County lost, and the people named were incorrect in their actions (Young).
If we contrast that to a DWI charge and then subsequent reckless driving conviction, that person is fired, forced to sign a contract and tested for the entire career. So, what will Young get as a result. He was at work the other day, you do the math. I really hope its not because he is black, because that could cause another class action suit. Stay tuned.
The unfortunate thing about all of this is the lack of leadership (up and down the food chain), and the lack of gonads to do the right thing based on policy and procedure. If your wrong, your wrong and expect to be disciplined!
What should be done? The expectation is that we hold our people accountable for thier actions. I also expect a level of policy change after a lawsuit and not a simple payout and forehead wipe (phew) after the case is closed.
An awesome message sent to the 1600 firefighters would be the firing of Young, and discipline to the others involved (based on Ghetts v Fairfax). What I dont expect is an aggressive EEO training program that overshadows the event and treats the innocent like retards.
Trust me, people are watching, and this could excite some racial tension more than a man vs women issue. Actually it already is pretty bad with the added claim that the LT's exam was comprimised.
If you make it to Morgans office, he may bust your F'ing head in....according to him.
Mastin and his COWARDLY WAYS continue. He is no better than Saddam Hussein. He is trying to get the department to subscribe to his cover up, pure and simple. He takes no ownership. He continues to hold members accountable but accepts none for himself. The BOS are his puppets, apparently, for not holding him and his KGB senior staff responsible for this mess. He is as corrupt as can be..
Chief Mastin your blip is heading close to home and the media just keeps poking at that black eye. Why do they do that? Maybe you should put on your sunglasses and head out for another tv interview and just deny anything ever happened. Please do us all a favor and stay around for when the Bailey case goes to trial and please, pretty please provide your common sense approach to the folks for the Lorton fire trial too.
http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/article/20110603/NEWS/706039697/1117/1117/judge-fire-and-rescue-failed-to-stop-harassment&template=fairfaxTimes
Nothing has changed. Sad day for this department. Problems were presented, described, founded, and the Chief doesn't think there needs to be change. Yep, sad.
We need leadership. That begins at the top and continues down the chain. If Chief Mastin won't stand up then the rest of us need too. We don't have to wait for him. Do our jobs. Do what is right.
Ask yourself, "Would I be embarrassed if this was on the front page of the Washington Post? Would I be embarrassed and would I feel proud in front of my mother and father? Is itok for this to happen to my wife or daughter where they work?"
Reality check fellow firefighters. That is what this is. Are you in it for the money or the calling? Which is to help citizens in need?
I assure you I will do my best to serve the citizens in this County with my best each and every day. That includes respectful treatment of my coworkers.
I challenge each and every one of you to join me and restore our reputation as a fine department and place to work and serve.
Brothers and sisters, will you please stop and think before posting a comment using the words "retard" or "retarded" as a pejorative? There have been lots of great comments over the past several days touting our support for equality and fair treatment of others, but when you use those words you are using slurs. Just as racial and ethnic slurs are unacceptable, so are those words.
I have seen over and over again comments about the Fire Chief must step down and the three AC's. The three AC's aren't going anywhere. Do they get demoted? Lets just say that happens as many of the commenters have wrote, who would be the interim Fire Chief then? Would you be happy with that person too?
Donna, know that I meant no harsh feelings towards those who are actually retarded, have some mental incapacity, or have a brain injury. However, I do respect you as a person (I actually know you), and I will cease with those nomenclatures.
arrogant leadership...
So are the BOS , Bulova, Griffin, Herrity all must go unless they get these boobs to step down. If not, then they condone this type of leadership, and that says they are not leaders either!
Maximus Aurelius, thank you my unknown friend! I appreciate your response.
I just got slammed in another thread here by some other anonymous person, so I thank you again.
Here's an idea, go to the county's HR instead of the FRD's for any major issues or grievances. It's much harder to sweep things under the rug when it's being handled outside of the Chief's sphere of influence.
Case PROPERLY REFILED on June 9th...stand by for more revelations, boys and girls. Vitor, TIm and company...keep MOCKING. Your day will soon be upon you!
Your arrogant but ignorant behavior will soon be toe to toe and in YOUR FACE, but..I'm sure, as the FRD always does, you will both be captains as a result. Promote, not address the issue or those that truly drag us down.I only hope Iacone, Nash and the irresponsibles will soon be held accountable..Just another episode of the days of our lives. Im sure Tony, Pat and company will be MORE than happy to scribble yet, ANOTHER check to make this disappear! Leadership is weak and cover-ups start from the highest echelon. Disclosure of all sexual harassment complaints..regardless of how old or recent, will be REQUIRED DISCLOSURE, so if you are close to retiring..I say retire! It may be your only solace you LOSERS!
I don't think the broom or chechbook are big enough to hide all the new witnesses/evidence!
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