All,
Our mission since starting FFCC & TSL in the 90s has always been focused on Firefighter survival. The incident in Delray Beach raised a lot of attention for obvious reasons.
No question that those Firefighters (and passengers) were very, very fortunate considering the potential.
At minimum, it also reminded you/me/us and all Firefighters of the critical responsibility we have when operating any apparatus.
The “good” thing about critical incidents is that those responsible in figuring out how/what/why …have nothing but time to do a professional, fair, detailed and factual investigation. And from that, those directly involved and all of us not directly involved, have a chance to learn from what our Brothers & Sisters went through. And if it’s determined to be preventable, learn from that as well.
We were surprised, however, in the manner in which some information was shared by DBFR via Facebook, and that is what we sent you on the previous secret list last night. We share it because so much of this incident (like many incidents) will continue to reverberate, and that always reminds us of how far one incident can impact so many people, then, now and in the future.
Just by nature of my age, I’ve gotten to know a lot of people (such as so many of you). We also have some long time friends in South Florida, Firefighters who were directly impacted by this incident. As you can imagine, this incident will impact the members and their organization for years to come. Personally. Emotionally. Professionally.
The DBFR local and District IAFF shared the below with us, and because it’s tied to this extreme close call, we are sharing this public document with you.
Just like learning from what happened that day, it’s our opinion that it’s important to also learn “post incident” …how investigations are handled, the aftermath, and all aspects of it, especially after such a traumatic situation such as this.
HERE IS THE LOCAL’S RESPONSE:
Mayor and Commissioners:
As the voice of the dedicated men and women who serve Delray Beach with resolute commitment and courage, IAFF Local 1842 condemns Fire Chief Martin’s reckless and irresponsible decision to publicly release the names of our members involved in an ongoing investigation. This thoughtless action demonstrates a troubling lack of leadership and disregard for the well-being of individuals who risk their lives daily to protect this City.
Chief Martin’s decision to prematurely name individuals, without the conclusion of a thorough investigation, not only undermines fundamental principles of due process but signals a dangerous erosion in leadership and integrity. In doing so, Chief Martin risks the creation of a culture of selfishness and skepticism at Delray Beach Fire Rescue, a Department that relies on unity and trust to function effectively during emergencies.
Accountability and transparency are essential to public trust, but Chief Martin’s actions show a clear prioritization of optics and appearances over the rights and protections of his own personnel. His disregard for due process sends a chilling message to every firefighter: we are expendable and will have blame laid on our doorstep without inquiry or exploration. Instead of standing with his personnel during a time of question and uncertainty, Chief Martin has chosen to throw his own to the wolves in favor of political expediency and self-righteous public relations.
Publicly naming our members before the investigation has started, let alone concluded, is not a demonstration of accountability or transparency, it is an impulsive display of poor leadership that jeopardizes the safety of those involved, exposes them and their families to potential harassment, and causes undue emotional and professional harm. While there is no doubt that the events of December 28 should be carefully examined, our members, like all City employees and any other person, deserve a fair, unbiased process that is free from undue public scrutiny and premature judgment. Chief Martin’s decision has compromised that process.
IAFF Local 1842 will not tolerate defamation of our members by rash and careless leadership. We will aggressively defend the reputation and rights of our members and all affected personnel. We will do our best to ensure they are treated with fairness and respect, something Chief Martin has failed to do.
We call upon the City of Delray Beach to hold Chief Martin accountable for this disgraceful failure in leadership. If the Fire Chief cannot set the example of integrity, fairness, and respect for the individuals who make up the City’s Fire Department, then he will lose the trust and confidence of those he is charged with leading.
To our Commission and community, we thank you for your continued support of the brave firefighters and paramedics who serve you. We urge you to stand with us in demanding that Chief Martin’s actions be addressed and that our members be afforded the protections and respect they deserve.
Respectfully,
Craig Mahoney
President
Professional Fire Fighters of Delray Beach
Obviously, there’s gonna be much more to follow -and if it’s really relevant , we will share it, but you can also follow their social media accounts as well.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 1-4-2025-0800 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
