Members of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association said they are “appalled” by the fire union’s use of “fearful tactics” in its efforts to stop a new city emergency plan.
In a press release, the clergy said there is a lack of professionalism displayed by the executive leadership of the fire union, International Association of Firefighters, Local 825, specifically naming its president, Frank Ricci.
“Frank Ricci does not make operational decisions for the Fire Department and it is incomprehensible that he uses bully and fearful tactics against the city of New Haven residents to intimidate the residents into believing a false narrative,” the release states. “Maybe the reason Ricci goes out of his way to continue to intimidate the Mayor, city staffers, and the residents is because that is the only method he knows how to use to achieve his desired objectives.”
The fire union is objecting to a plan by the city that includes replacing a fire vehicle with a paramedic unit at one of the city’s 10 firehouses.