Our department is at a serious crossroads. We have to stand up for what we feel is right and just for our beloved fire department. We cannot allow someone to “fall into the position” without any input from the firefighters that it effects. We need to express our concerns that the Chief of the fire department has to be appointed after a fair process has taken place. We need to voice these concerns to the members of City Council. If we have 400-500 signatures on this petition, they will have no choice but to listen. I feel as though this is the best way to get our point across. We have to focus our argument towards the hiring process of the fire chief. The past two chiefs have been hired after an extensive search and vetting process. We have to open it up to select the very best person for the future of our department. I know some may have concerns about the Public Safety aspect, but when it boils down to it, the Fire Chief will be the one that has the greatest impact on us as firefighters. We have the chance to all take a stand and help steer our department in the right direction.