The fire union has filed a complaint against the city, citing safety and labor concerns related to Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director Rick Fontana, who the bargaining unit alleges has been performing the duties of Fire Department employees.
The complaint was filed this week with the state State Board of Labor Relations by union attorney Marshall T. Segar. It claims “that on numerous occasions” Fontana has done the work of the fire employees by allegedly dispatching himself and responding to fire calls, putting out fires, acting as and wearing a similar uniform as fire command staff, and acting as the public information officer on fire scenes.
New Haven Firefighters Union President Frank Ricci said Fontana has no role in those situations.
“This is an individual who is masquerading as a firefighter, be it operating hose-lines, utilizing our command board or placing the public at risk by responding with lights and sirens to fires, where he has no emergency role.” Ricci said.