LETTERS

A firefighter's worth

Posted 1/14/20

To the Editor: On Monday night, I waited anxiously for my husband to return home from our City Council meeting. He finally walked through the door just before midnight. The outcome was positive, and what we were hoping for, after weeks of deliberation,

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LETTERS

A firefighter's worth

Posted

To the Editor:

On Monday night, I waited anxiously for my husband to return home from our City Council meeting. He finally walked through the door just before midnight. The outcome was positive, and what we were hoping for, after weeks of deliberation, the Warwick City Council approved the new firefighter contract with a narrow win of 5-4. But as I watched my husband enter our home, he looked like he had just been in the biggest brawl of his life. Not a physical fight, but a battle that tested every ounce of his mental and emotional well-being. It was a “win” for our firefighters, the union, and ultimately the City of Warwick, but it sure as hell didn’t feel like one.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on this subject matter, so I thought it was only fitting to get a firefighter wife’s perspective.

My husband and I both grew up in Warwick, graduated from Warwick public schools and currently reside in what we both believe is the greatest neighborhood in this city: Greenwood. Our two sons attend Greenwood Elementary School, and I serve on the PTO board. We are heavily invested in our community, and there’s no place we would rather live and raise our children.

That being said, I attended my first (and, quite possibly, last) City Council meeting the Friday prior to Christmas and I was absolutely bewildered when they opened the floor to public comment. The behavior of the constituents that attended that meeting was appalling and down right embarrassing. They villainized the firefighters (often referred to as “thugs” and “gang” members), and degraded and harassed the City Council members.

Everyone is entitled to their freedom of speech, but I draw the line when people spew serious threats and accusations. The ludicrousness of some of the comments were almost laughable. Even my 9-year-old son shook his head in disbelief when a constituent singled out a councilman for “being distracted and playing on his laptop” the entire meeting. It was poetic justice when the councilman held up his giant legal pad that he had been diligently writing notes on all night. No laptop in sight. It just goes to show you that people only see what they want to see, and they are quick to judge without knowing all the facts.

So, I’d like anyone that’s reading this to take a moment to understand what I see – and subsequently don’t see – as a firefighter’s wife.

I see a man who is the very definition of selfless. He puts the needs of others before his own – which, sadly, adversely affects our family. I see a man who misses holidays, birthdays, celebrations, our kids’ games and activities, and the everyday moments that many of us take for granted, because we are there to witness it. I see a man who often forgoes sleep and meals, because he is responding to calls all night long. I see a man that works tirelessly to make ends meet for our family every single week. I see a man that is so brave that he would be willing to risk his life to save a stranger’s life. I see a man whose loyalty runs deep and would lay down his life for his comrades. And, lastly, I see a man that walks out of the house to go to work accepting that he may never come home.

As the wife of a firefighter, however, there is so much that I don’t see. I don’t see the trauma and tragedies he responds to regularly – the fires, the fatal car accidents, the overdoses. My husband very rarely talks about his calls – especially the bad ones – because he doesn’t want me to worry. He tries not to take his work home with him, but I know that what he’s been through on the job gravely affects him. Since we have two young boys of our own, the 9-1-1 calls that involve children are usually the ones that rattle him the most. Drownings. Seizures. Abuse. These memories haunt him and remind him daily just how precious life is.

A firefighter friend of mine once told me that firefighters have a “mental file cabinet.” And when they experience trauma, they place that memory into a folder and file it away in their cabinet under lock and key. The file is stored away where no one can see it…but it never truly goes away.

Not seeing what my husband endures as a firefighter only makes me value his job even more. However, I now realize that that is not the popular opinion among most constituents.

My two sons have no aspirations to be firefighters when they grow up. Then again, why should they when they could throw a football and make millions of dollars as a professional athlete? Athletes have it all – fame, fortune and the adoration of their fans. It’s sad to live in a world where athletes, reality stars and YouTube celebrities are what our children aspire to be when they grow up and not teachers, police officers, nurses and first responders. Why work tirelessly in a thankless, underpaid job when you could be the next great social media influencer?

What will it take for our taxpayers and fellow constituents to understand the real worth of our firefighters?

I’ll tell you when it will happen:

When your grandfather falls down a flight of stairs and splits his head open.

When your wife of 57 years drops to the floor of a massive heart attack.

When your teenage son get hits by a drunk driver going the wrong way on the highway.

When your home – with all your worldly possessions, including your beloved golden retriever – is engulfed in flames.

When your granddaughter’s foot gets pinned against the pool ladder and she hasn’t come up for air in 10 minutes.

I wouldn’t wish any of these emergencies upon my greatest enemy. But when this happens, and it’s my husband’s job to desperately try to save your loved one, perhaps then you will see a firefighter’s worth.

Briget D’Antonio

Warwick

Comments

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  • ErinBrockovich

    This is such a great statement about the men and women of the Warwick Fire Department. I have always been extremely proud of the fact my husband was a Warwick Fire Fighter. It takes a special person to do this type of job. We are families that not only live, work, shop, and volunteer within this community. We are also proud to call this community home. We have raised our families here. This letter says just about everything one should know about our lives. Hopefully the new year will bring about some needed closure and we can all move on.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • DebET15

    Mrs. D'Antonio, your story touched me deeply. I am an RN. I understand some of the things your husband and his brothers deal with. Nurses deal the same way. I want you to know that there are so many of us who look up to and respect the work your husband does. Many of us know the value and the sacrifice they make. Most of us consider them the true hero's in our society, not the Tom Brady's of this world. I'm sorry you and your son had to witness the ignorant ones. Sadly it is often the ignorant who are most vocal, especially in today's world. But please know... so many of us do not feel that way! You and your husband, his brothers and sisters and all the firefighters and first responders are in my book, the best of the best!! God bless! Keep up the good fight!

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • davebarry109

    They don't do anything more than our soldiers who are not paid any where near the salaries/benefits. Heroes don't do it for the money. Police and FF are important people but the question is how much can we pay them, particularly in retirement?

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • FormerResident

    Interesting question: What’s a firefighter worth? It’s about perspective. Praise and criticism. Laziness and heroism. A burden and a blessing.

    Have you ever needed them - really needed them? Not “I’ve been sick for a couple days” or “I think I broke my foot” needed them. “My sons not breathing” or “the cars on fire and there are people inside” needed them.

    Have you ever seen the face of a firefighter after a “bad” day? Have you ever heard the cries from the shower? The blank, emotionless face burying the burden of their day under apathy? Gotten up to find them pacing the house because sleep is elusive?

    Have you ever seen the end of a firefighters life? Not the heroic end, but the slow crawl to eternity. The body of a man or woman who has battled not only fire, but cancer, substance abuse, or heart disease?

    Perspective will likely change your opinion. What’s a firefighter worth...

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • WarwickResident886

    DaveBarry I completely agree, heroes don’t do it for the pay. But the men and women of the WFD chose this as their career path and deserve a fair wage. I receive a 2% raise at my place of employment annually based on my job performance and I don’t have to give up sick days in order to receive my raise like these men and women did.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Ms. D'Antonio,

    Although we all appreciate your husband Joseph's responsibilities in his job performance the answer to your question is very simple. What is a firefighters worth? A firefighters worth amounts to only what the community can afford. That is it very simply. Unfortunately in Warwick the taxpayers can afford no more. Do we continue to jeopardize senior citizens for 200 employees? The problem with this conversation is that when concerned residents talk about this issue in a financial perspective, the beneficiaries, (employees and family members) want to turn the discussion into an US vs THEM discussion. That has never been the discussion. Frankly we are tired of the self appointed hero status that gets thrown in our face constantly. Have you ever heard that attitude from a wounded warrior? Of course not. So stop playing that card for sympathy because it doesn't work for most residents.

    Let me remind you that when ever anyone questions expenditures of the WFD, they are targeted, heckled, harassed by various means, and if you are an elected official they boycott your events, and as was the case last week, they disrupt the meeting by screaming and yelling and then as they walk out the door they yell, JUST WAIT TIL NOVEMBER.

    The only time you see them is at contract hearings. They scream and yell when all together, but never get up and take the microphone. And yes, they often comport themselves as gang members in public.

    You spoke volumes when you stated that this was the first city council meeting that you attended. You attended because you were concerned about you, not the rest of the taxpayers, you and your family alone, because you are beneficiaries of the generosity of the taxpayers of which, none enjoy such benefits.

    By your own admission, you have never attended a budget meeting, never attended an actuarial hearing. If you attended the actuarial hearing 5 years ago you could have watched the WFD gang members beat up on a man that was asked to make a presentation to the council. They heckled, disrupted, swore, whistled, and then took the egregious step to contact his employer and demand that he be fired for speaking out about unsustainable pension benefits. It is this type of behavior that has caused the rift and the US vs THEM demeanor which now exists.

    I am sure that you have never read any of the contracts particularly this contract which is certainly the worst contrived contract language that has ever been presented before the city. It reeks of litigation and numerous areas have never been corrected. So lets talk specifics and I would invite you to educate me.

    Your husband Joseph D'Antonio base salary is $78,396.24 He was hired on March 24, 2013.

    Each year he receives a longevity bonus of $6661.44 That is 8.5% of wage in addition to his annual raise .

    He receives for "Uniform allowance" $1450.00

    So his base pay without overtime is $86,507.68

    His family healthcare plan is valued at $20,000.00 According to the official documents

    So his value is $106,000 for 165 days of work annually. Not a bad gig.

    As of Feb 1 2019 he had 50 sick days accumulated

    He continues to receive 16 paid vacation days (4 weeks)

    He receives 16 paid sick days

    He has unlimited substitution days, he has averaged 10 per year since 2016 so call it 30.

    He has a prescription health care plan with a max copay of $600.00.

    He works 48 hours within an 8 day period.

    He can sleep on the job, cook on the job, exercise on the job, watch cable TV on the job, and even hold another job.

    I think that it is reasonable to say that he is paid pretty well. However, at one point the system is going to collapse. You can go on with blinders thinking that it is not going to collapse, however, when the city actuaries come before the council and tell you exactly that, who should we believe?

    Also, although your husband was not involved in the unused sick pay and unused vacation pay schemes, there is undoubtedly, and always has been an element of fraud within this department. Of course it is not everyone, and again, no one is questioning their skill set, but for once it would be nice to have a conversation of finances without throwing out the "race card". The fact is that when you make your argument based upon the job responsibilities which he and others chose, (no one dragged them there) and you insert the element of self proclaimed hero's, that in itself turns the conversation into US vs THEM.

    Think about it, and also maybe attend regular council meetings so that you have a well rounded knowledge of the fiscal situation of this ailing city.

    I as everyone else, respect and value their service and we all have had a loved one served by them at one time or another. But the fact remains. The community has constraints and can only afford so much. We are at the breaking point. A famous man (guess who) once said "the needs of the many exceed the needs of the few". Think about it.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    he Simply can’t resist attacking people.... amazing.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • cooterbfdE3

    Capt....... funny how you love to throw public servant info out there for the sake of embarrassing someone publicly....... first off, the uniform allowance ends up as much as it is because people like you happen to get their bodily fluids all over our clothes, necessitating frequent, premature replacement, call that a wash.

    Secondly, his pay, at 85K, comes out to 38.85/hr.......a person working a normal, 40 hour a week job would make over $40 in that case, as they only put in 2080 hrs a year without ot...... Warwick firefighters put in 2190..... that's an extra 110 hours worked without ot....... when I started out in this, cities and towns didn't bill for EMS or fire, now they do. I noticed that your budget doesn't show how much revenue you collect specifically from their service.......

    This job, much like police, is far more difficult to process mentally than you can imagine.......but manage, we do........if you think you can do it better, cheaper, than raise you hand and volunteer to.......I do

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • lisab21

    The Captain....how dare you put out all that info on firefighter Joseph. Can’t you just leave it as it was meant. A very respectful wife commenting on what she knows to be her family’s truth. Then you swoop in invade their privacy because you are such a blowhard and big mouth. Keep it to yourself and try to be less of a horses ass !!!!!

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • tcp

    Rob,

    If you have something to say, write a letter to the editor. Do not try to embarrass this woman. She is stronger than you in every way possible.

    Good for you Briget. I thank you and your husband. Keep fighting the good fight.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    See, again, here we go. I did not attack anyone. I simply stated fact that was derived from publicly available documents. There was no attack, no name calling, unlike what you guys do. However, lets stipulate for the record that the uniform allowance never goes to uniforms as the contract states that any uniforms damaged are replaced by the city at no cost to the employee. In the last contract the uniform allowance was $935,000. That's alot of dry cleaning. Further more, we all know that each station has a complete laundry facility. So lets agree to call it like it is - deferred compensation.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Folks,

    Look up the law. These are all publicly available documents. You guys do know what the words publicly available mean, right? My comments were factual and respectful. If you don't agree, that is your prerogative. But you need to stop trying to justify the comments using the words "THEY DESERVE".

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Cote you are a piece of work. There is absoulutly no reason for anyone to believe anything that comes out of your mouth. Zero credibility. Someones wife posts a sincere letter to the editor about what its like to be the wife of a fireman and you respond with the same rude BS. You have no clue what the life of a fireman and his family consists of. Its quite apparent that you don't even understand how the fire department operates. You are the same person who drives around headquarters filming apparatus that are there for required medical training, then gets online and spins it as if there is something nefarious going on. You respect what it is they do sooo much that you post that video trying to create negative publicity. Proof that this is more of a grudge or obsession. These firemen do more for this community than you ever will, you are a cancer. All of the accusations about the fire department committing crimes, why has not one of them been proven? There is far too many lies and disgusting behavior on you part to list here. Great post Bridget, I thank you and your husbands commitment to our community.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    John,

    Your comments are the comments that are derogatory. You and Liz B. You state "people like you happen to get their bodily fluids all over our clothes, what exactly did you mean by this comment? What are people like me? And people is plural so who, and or what element of people are you referring to? Sounds pretty insulting to me.

    Your comment on overtime. You do realize that under the United States Fair Labor Act, firefighters do not get paid overtime until after 53 hours. Except of course in the corrupt state of Rhode Island.

    You state "I noticed that your budget doesn't show how much revenue you collect specifically from their service."

    If you are referring to the city budget and the income derived from EMS services than you are wrong again as it is contained within the budget documents in the revenue section.

    again, my comments were not an attack, but every time someone tries to have a fiscal conversation with you people, based on actual facts and documents, you cry foul and play the race card.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • tcp

    Here’s some fact for you Rob.

    The city provides firefighters with turnout gear.... jacket, pants, hood, helmet, gloves and structural firefighting boots.

    The city provides 2 class B uniform shirts and 2 pairs of pants.

    I don’t know about you, but 2 shirts per week (Nevermind a 24 hour shift) certainly isn’t enough for me. Nevermind in the summer when it’s 85 degrees. Nevermind the damage done to them when firefighters are cutting the lawns in their uniforms. Nevermind when they’re painting the walls inside the station. Nevermind when they are fixing broken toilets or the washing machines in their “laundry facilities”.

    Nevermind the abuse those uniforms take when bunker gear is thrown on top of them multiple times each day. Nevermind when god forbid they want to keep their heads warm and would like to purchase a “gang toke”. Or maybe they even want gloves that fit so they can hold into a charged hoseline. Maybe a winter jacket would be nice. Maybe a durable pair of boots that are kicked off without being untied every time a fire call comes in. Or maybe the laundry facility attendants need to do a better job getting the vomit, blood and bodily fluids off after each call.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    TCP

    I know what the facts are. Below is the contract language.

    The City agrees to replace all clothing and protective gear, eyeglasses

    and dentures of an employee of the Fire Department which may be

    damaged or destroyed in the line of said employee’s duty while on duty or

    while said employee may be responding to or returning from a call to duty.

    SECTION 2. ADDITIONAL UNIFORMS

    Any employee, upon being promoted to any rank requiring a new class of uniform, shall

    have one set of the same issued to him or her by the City at its cost and expense. If the

    City requires a change in the Class “B” uniforms the City will provide the initial four (4)

    sets of uniforms over and above the regular clothing allowance.

    TCP In addition there is this statement - If an employee is absent from work due to sick leave, personal

    leave, injury leave, suspension or unpaid leave for more than 30 days, the clothing

    maintenance allowance shall be prorated for the year immediately preceding the date of

    such allowance at the rate of one/fifty second (1/52) of the total amount payable for each

    week that the employee was absent (including the first 30 days).

    However, the official city documents of uniform allowance that was paid indicated that persons on the department that were in fact out on long term injury, still received the uniform allowance/ uniform maintenance of $1450.00. Because there are bigger fish to fry, no attention has been paid to that issue.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    TCP

    By the way, you should read the contract. The city provides 4 sets of uniforms not 2. Just saying.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • TheDeal

    The Captain continues to outright lie. The firefighters conducted themselves with integrity during all of the meetings and even Councilman Ladouceur acknowledged that during his commentary. The fact is that The Captain and some of his cohorts continue to slander and libel members of WFD with unsubstantiated and frankly baseless claims. In fact, the call “see you in November!” clearly came from someone near to Cote, on his side, if it wasn’t actually him in the first place. I also hear he told Dan Yorke an outright lie and Councilman Merolla had to contact Dan and tell him Cote’s claims were untrue. Just like no one actually stood by the door and turned people away. Of course, an anonymous email is enough to get talk radio going and lend credence to this knowingly false story. He even went so far as to name and describe individuals in comments on this site, who clearly did nothing like he suggests. I think it’s high time The Captain face some slander and libel lawsuits. Doesn’t take an attorney to see claimants would have an excellent case. And let me be clear, it’s not because of the scrutiny, it’s because of the malicious lies told. Scrutiny is fine. Lies, slander and libel are not and it’s time he’s held accountable.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • PMS325

    What a great article from the perspective of a fire fighter’s wife!

    I can only imagine the sacrifices these families make on a daily basis.

    My friends husband is a firefighter, so I do see some of what was spoken of in this article. I see the sadness when he has come home from a child drowning. I’ve seen him miss his children’s sports, school events and holidays.

    Is this part of what comes with the job, yes it is. But it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be adequately compensated for it.

    I go to work every day from 9-5 and know I get to come home that night. These selfless men and women go to work every day, not knowing if they will come home to their loved ones. That must be such a hard burden to live with every day.

    Thank you for your perspective as I hope it opens some of these close minded individuals.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Harley1

    Hi I'm new here, Is it true that this Cote guy used to stalk the dive team because he didn't get the contract to train them and that's why he hates them so much? Plus he dumped gasoline down a drain and almost blew up a city block?

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Reality

    Same old firefighter blah blah blah. Lasted I checked, members of WFD volunteered and weren't drafted. If you don't like the job just leave.

    WFD wives attend one meeting and they have all the answers. Are you serious? The members of the WFD have acted like thugs numerous times over the yrs. at council meetings. Ask Bill Lloyd if you have any doubts.

    I guess nurses in the emergency rooms who also see all these accident victims etc. are entitled to the same over the top benefits. Yeah right....They just do their jobs and don't whine all the time.

    Listening to the audio of the pre- Christmas meeting, I was amazed that the firefighters who spoke bragged about all the real estate they owned. Obviously, they spend more time at other jobs than working for Warwick taxpayers.

    It's time to stop coddling the WFD.....let's privatize as much of the WFD as possible. The taxpayers can afford nothing else.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Here we go again. I appreciate this firefighters wife's story. I really do, because myself, two brothers, and my sister-in-law are retired PPD. My oldest brother is retired PFD. One nephew is active PPD, and one nephew is active PFD. We, and our families have all lived the same story as her family has. It also has been unappreciated by many. Especially the very City administrations we worked for. I must say, sadly, that I have never seen the unprofessional behavior in my entire experience in public safety community as I have experienced in Warwick, by the so-called public servants of the WFD. From the top down, all my experiences with them, especially at Council meetings, have been shocking at best. There seems to be a "entitlement mentality, and a us against them attitude", from the get go. I still find it hard to believe, but such is the fact nowadays I guess. Anyway, I just met this writers husband for the first time at the December 20th meeting, and then again at the January 6th meeting. We actually shook hands and spoke civilly to each other, and the mutual respect was apparent. If he is reading this, I would like to say how refreshing those encounters were. I must say, that not knowing him before that, I was greatly impressed. He understood and respected, as do I, that this great country allows us to speak about our beliefs and opinions. He is the only WFD member that I have met at any of these meetings that I have attended for almost 4 years now, that acted as a professional, and a gentleman. What I appreciate most though is the fact that his wife seems to be of this character as well, since she actually used her real name on this letter. Thank you for doing that. Now maybe the COWARDS here on the Beacon blog can follow our lead, and start using their real names also. You should be proud of your opinion, and not afraid to let everyone know what you really believe in. Again, thank you for using your real name, because I was getting lonely here. Everyone here knows The Captain is Rob Cote, it isn't a secret. So really it is just me, him. and Bob Cushman that use our real names. Everyone else should stop being COWARDS, and do likewise.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    John thank you for your service and that of your family as well. Everyone is absolutely entitled to voice their own opinion. Your message is conveyed much more efficiently when you phrase posts like you did the last one. Try not to be so abrasive so people won’t come at you with the same energy

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    JJ

    We'll see. I bet they do anyway!

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Jim,

    Your post is really funny and exemplifies the fact all expecting women deserve pre-natal care and should be counseled about drug and alcohol use while in the third trimester.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Rob you are you are an angry little man. Your word means nothing based on your history and obvious personal vendetta towards anything that has to do with the fire department. Do as you always do and backpedal when someone called you out. Just like when you admitted at a council meeting to killing animals. Just like when you dumped gasoline down a storm drain. Just like when you attack a wife writing a Sincere personal account of what it’s like to be the wife of a fireman. Just like lying on the Dan Yorke show, then Merolla had to call dan yorke to let him know what you said was a lie. Just like you make accusations of crimes being committed with all the evidence and not one thing you have said has been proven. However the accusations and crimes you have committed have been proven. Who shall one believe? Hhmmmmmmmmm

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Blondy56

    I think that some of you are missing the point. I was at all of the meetings and can tell you that the firefighters were very disrespectful to the people that stood up to speak as well as the two councilman that openly spoke out against rushing through with the approval of the contract. They stood together like bullies. I was walking out with many of them and the conversation and name calling they were doing amongst themselves was vile and disgusting. I wish I would of recorded it so their captain could see how they act when no one is looking. Having said that, it's not that we don't appreciate the hard work that firefighters do. It's not that we don't appreciate what they give up to do it...it's that the agreement as it stood had mistakes in it. I'm sure none of you would be willing to sign a mortgage agreement with mistakes. what if the address was wrong, or the mortgage rate or the date of the purchase. That would be stupid and foolish. In addition, even without the mistakes, it has been proven to be financially unsustainable. It would be like having a budget for your home and saying you would make payments that you wouldn't be able to make. It didn't make fiscal sense. Stop the name calling and online bullying and learn the facts. From where I sit Rob Cote has always presented the facts. Does he get snarky at times? Yes. I think that comes from a point of frustration that him, Ken Block and others share because some members of the council simply refuse to see the plain facts. I thought it was interesting when someone pointed out that in the end, the firefighters would have nothing in their retirement account if the city continued with the contract...and they cheered. that showed me that they weren't even listening.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Cindy,

    What’ so called facts have you seen proven by anyone other than Rob Cote? FBI? No. Stealing? No. Manipulation? No. He is not telling the truth. I’m sorry you thought you heard “bullies” last week at the meeting, we didn’t see or hear any of that. There was 1 date error in the contract and both lawyers agreed and testified it had zero affect on the contract.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    DEM,

    Really? Crimes that I have committed. So know is your time to prove yourself you JIMMY BRANDON you lying coward.

    Here is the link. Lets show the crimes douche bag.

    rijudiciary.com

    You guys are all a bunch of cowards. No one would tolerate you in the private business world.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Roger .... real name please COWARD. What are you afraid of?

    WOW. You can't be that stupid. You heard one error. I heard everyone agree there was more than 5 errors, AND the entire Fiscal Note was in ERROR, and therefore violated the State Law. The four members of the Council that voted against contract, and apparently the only council members listenting, should file a complaint with the Attorney General's office that because Fiscal Note is illegal the contract is null and void until all errors corrected. If AG does nothing, they should then file a lawsuit to find it was all illegal, and make Solomon have to fix errors and resubmitt TA to Council again for approval.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Tim

    Captain

    You are a discussing human being, putting people information out there like that, after his wife's letter.

    The is a special place in hell for people like you. The good thing is that 95% of the people pay little or no attention to you or the rest of your malcontents.

    As I've said before have the balls to out your name on a ballot, oh thats right you wont do that

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Observant1

    This comment section should be shut down it really has no useful purpose besides entertainment . You have Cote, Simoneau, sometimes Cushman and one of Stacias alias’s all slinging mud at the wall hoping it sticks meanwhile a couple other people shake the bees nest to get a rise out of them , all the while the average taxpayer could care less . But everyone needs something to do on the toilet I guess.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    A quick look finds this interesting felony conviction of a Warwick Fire fighter.

    LOYO MARCELO LIEUTENANT - FIRE 76,012.56

    Providence/Bristol County Superior Court

    Case Summary

    Case No. P2-1996-2482A

    MARCELO A LOYO

    Location:

    Providence/Bristol County Superior Court

    Offense Statute Degree Offense Date Filed Date

    Jurisdiction: Rhode Island State Police

    1.

    POSSESS MV W/ALTERED VIN NUM

    31-9-6

    Felony

    03/26/1996

    04/11/1996

    Arrest

    Date: 04/02/1996

    Offense Reports

    Agency:

    Scituate State Police

    101.

    POSSESS MV W/ALTERED VIN NUM

    31-9-6

    Felony

    03/26/1996

    04/11/1996

    Arrest

    Date: 04/02/1996

    Offense Reports

    Agency:

    Scituate State Police

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Average Taxpayer ...... ANOTHER COWARD

    What are you afraid of ........ real name please!

    Everyone knows what COWARDS do on the toilet. They become you ..... idiot. Grow up and grow a set, since you don't add anything to any conversation.

    NOW GO AWAY CHILD!

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    I’m shaking my head at some of the comments and thinking what is working with you and society? Where does one drawn the line ? Apparently not here.

    Is what you type and send make you feel that much breed tearing into anyone ?

    Moral fibric is long gone it’s all about one self. I have more days behind me than in front of me and I feel bad for the ones left behind in this generation that use these antics.

    It is what it is and some won’t and can never change.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Sorry about the couple of clerical errors and typos.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Blondy56

    Roger, I didn't "think" I heard bullies, I heard bullies. I wish that Merolla would of thrown them all out of the meeting. As far as the facts go, I read them, as they are public record. Instead of trying to tell me what I heard or debating what I know why don't you just speak on the subject we are discussing which is whether or not the city of Warwick can afford this contract. You have the right to your opinion, based on your knowledge and I respect that. I

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Daydreambeliever,

    I am astonished that you have the audacity to write what you did on your last post. You have been one of the biggest lobber of false information and insults on this blog. You constantly post completely false derogatory comments about people on this page, you do it anonymously, and then you have the nerve to speak about moral fiber? Glad I left

    that sewer called Warwick. Its administration and its union labor are morally bankrupt. Not to mention marginally educated.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Cote it’s funny that you think everyone is either Brandon or a firefighter. I’m neither I just think you are sorry excuse for a human being. So keep posting it just proves you are a little angry boy who couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Ms. D'Antonio-On behalf of 99.99% of the citizens of Warwick, thank you for your letter, and thank you to your husband and all the other public servants in the city.

    Please keep in mind that the only people in the city criticizing the firefighters are "captain criminal", a lowlife COWARD who developed a dislike for firefighters when he was caught cheating on his wife with waitresses from Dave's Bar and Grill and lost the city contract for the fire department dive team, and Johnny Pajamas, a dirty ex-cop who was about to be fired from the police department, and instead took the coward's way out and stole a phony disability pension.

    The only other handful of complainers are personal friends of Eddie the leaky window salesman and loudmouth Stevie with the bad rug on his head, who were begged by those two clowns to complain about the contract.

    Once again, the other 99.99% of the citizens are totally in favor of the firefighters, and the proof of that is the fact that those two COWARDS, captain Criminal and Johnny Pajamas wouldn't dare run for public office, as they know they would be TROUNCED in an election.

    Thanks again to a your husband and all of the other firefighters for their service.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Just the facts.... another COWARD or the same one using different fake names because he is a COWARD. You don't know anything about me FOOL. So shut up, go away, or use your real name. Why don't you run for office COWARD? I don't have to, but who knows. Be careful for what you ask for COWARD.

    OH YEAH COWARD .... still waiting for the time and place! Any time, any place! Bring your mother for courage. Dope.

    Now disappear.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    I moved to the city last year, and have found it a great place for us to raise our family. I must say though, I'm having problems keeping up with all of the nicknames on this site that look like something from an episode of the Sopranos. Eddie Pajamas, Captain Windows, Johnny the Rug, etc. While it's a bit difficult to follow along with all the characters, it's definitely entertaining!

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Just the facts,

    Now that is a really good one. You guys must hire fiction writers to make up this stuff. Ya know, the only thing that I haven't heard from you guys is that I was having an affair with Scott Avedisian. OOOPS, Im sorry, that would have been FORMER FIRE CHIEF ED ARMSTRONG doing that in return for the unused sick pay secret side deal.

    Cant wait to hear the next fantasy story from you ANONYMOUS COWARDS. By the way, where is COWARD JIMMY BRANDON IGENGNERI? No doubt hiding out after filing a false police report with the state police. Sending an altered video to the DEM under his own email address brandon.igg85@gmail.com. Not only is he hearing impaired but he's so stupid that he doesn't even know that under the law, verbal statements are not considered criminal offenses. I would have thought that the WFD would have a higher IQ standard. Guess that's not on the written test.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    It’s a shame that a firefighters wife takes the time to write a nice letter on what she sees and people can not help themselves to be immature...seriously people! Everyone is a keyboard tuff guy

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Has anyone else noticed that captain criminal and Johnny sweat pants are the only two individuals on this site attacking the firefighters? Even their only two friends in the world, Cushman and Stacia have been distancing themselves from these two sociopaths. Maybe after the November elections when the council remains pro-firefighters, captain criminal will finally grow a set and move out of state, and Johnny sweat pants will move to Providence so he can pay taxes to that city to offset the cost of his bogus disability pension.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    As for me blatantly attacking anyone in here I don't dispute that but it's directed at one person and we all know who this is.

    Otherwise I sit back and roll my eyes and occasionally laugh at the the ridiculousness of some of the comments.

    Mrs.D' Antonio wrote a beautiful letter from the heart and it gets lost in the ridiculousness of comments.

    As someone commented its turned into a them vs. Us because you can only be attacked for so long without corresponding.

    As you can see it's back and forth back and forth with someone having to get the last word in.

    Thank you Mrs. D'Antonio for you kind and heartfelt letter. Many of us do appreciate you please disregard the negative comments as they can help themselves.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    Mrs. D’Antonio,

    This was a beautiful letter you wrote in support of your husband and his fellow colleagues. Please know that the vast manority of the warwick tax payers support you and your family. Cote, Simoneau and Stacia do not represent the majority, they do not speak for any of us. They all have personal vedettas against the city. They dont care about the taxpayers...they care a out their own hurt feelings for the perceieved wrongs committed to them personally. We all see through it. They have done things that are appaling and apprehensable. They are obsessed with their hatred to all city employees that they dont even realize their behaviour is sickening. They sit behind a keyboard and type vile comments, spew lies and actually threaten to physically harm people and then have the nerve to call others out. Cote has never once taken responsiblity for ANYTHING he has done. He stood infront of a city council meeting and ON RECORD admitted to gassing wildlife because he felt they were a nusince to him. He then back tracked and said it wasnt true. What is it Cote, are you a liar or a psycho? He crashed a funeral and posted pictures of the mourning friends and family of his dispicable fb page...after spewing degrading and discusting words at the female family member who told him to leave. He then called the beacon, trying to "break the big story"...it was such a nice article the Beacon wrote about the cities support of the deseased and the support of the city. When he was called out quite extensively about this he lied a d denied it, said he was just "turning around" in the parking lot and THEN had the nerve to try to slander the deseased. The man has no morals and no boindries. He is a liar with no credibility. He is all about calling others out but takes ZERO RESPONSIBILTY for his many wrong doings.

    Thank you, and your husband for your service to this city and community.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • FormerlyWarwick

    In many states that I’ve lived in, towns have volunteer fire departments, where true hero’s experience all of these things for zero pay. The Warwick firefighters do an admirable job but it is a chosen profession which they are well paid for. Nurses experience much of the same with much less.

    That said, there are many questions tax payers like my parents can’t understand. How does such a small department have a $4M overtime budget? Frankly, the city could privatize the ambulance services in a heartbeat and save significant dollars. My town did that, kept the fire fighters as volunteers. No service issues in 2 years.

    Hs anyone analyzed the cost of change? Such as 5 - 8 hour days vs. few days with long shifts? My guess is there is money to be had there but that would cut into side businesses....one can see both sides of this situation but what seems to be lacking is leadership in Warwick and a true dialogue of the change needed to escape the crushing burden of city pensions. Good luck.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Stacia nurses make approx $50 an hour. Most don’t work weekends holidays. Not exposed to carcinogens, or danger to life. Work in a controlled environment. Stop trying to compare what firefighters do to nurses who make more money while doing it. Concern yourself with the city you live in.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    If the animal gasser/gasoline dumper and disgraced dirty cop had any credibility, people would be all over this site defending them, but all you hear is crickets. That goes to show those two misfits have no supporters, no friends, and no credibility. When not even Stacia, Block, or Cushman come to your defense, you know you have no credibility whatsoever. That's precisely why the animal gasser/gasoline dumper and the dirty cop will never run for public office-they wouldn't be able to deal with the humiliation that would come with their defeats.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    Formerly Warwick

    Being a tax payer in Warwick , if I call 911 and get transported I do not receive a bill for the rescue transporting me., but if we were to privatize the rescue we now get a bill and if you do not pay they can send it to collections...sounds far for our lower income families right! Also I believe the rescues billing money goes back to the city’s general fund..2-3 million that would be lost

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • TheDeal

    I’m surprised at accounts of Warwick Firefighters being rude. I found them to be courteous, polite and respectful at the meeting I attended. A gentleman in a black and yellow fireman shirt even assisted my wife across an icy patch on the way out.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • davebarry109

    Get A Clue:

    Nurses don't work weekends? What planet are you from? I know lots of nurses, and unless they have a lot of seniority, they ALL work weekends. Yikes. And the ones in hospitals can be assaulted by drunks/drug addicts just like cops and FFs. Stop making FF seem like they are super heroes. They are well paid and have great benefits and pensions. We can only afford so much.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Dave Barry I am a voter in Warwick and not a firefighter. I supported this contract because my family depends on the fire department frequently. Quite frankly the posts by people like yourself that are disgruntled and often rude make me support the fire department even more. My wife is a nurse and did her time in the er at Rhode Island hospital so I have a pretty good idea of what it is they do. Yikes get a clue! Stop trying to play down what they actually do, Your comparison to nurses is ignorant. There is also tons of security at a hospital so they don't have to deal with angry people like yourself, again as I stated earlier its a controlled environment. Im glad the contract got passed so you people can go away and not hijack a sincere post from the wife of a firefighter. What do you do for work because I think you also compared your job and pay to that of a firefighter?

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Get a clue,

    Nurses at Mariam and RI start at $28.50. If they work nights they get a $2.50 shift premium. If they work weekends they get a $3.00 shift premium. Then again, what would I know? Clearly much more than you.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Hello, I'm sorry, but I prefer not to use my real name on this article due to fears for my safety. With that being said, myself and my family support the fire department 100 percent, as we have utilized their services 3 times in the past year. I don't know of any other people who would risk their lives to save others 24/7 and 365 days per year, and I wish the people writing terrible comments on this article would please keep their ignorant views to themselves. Thank you Warwick firemen from a grateful taxpayer.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Ok so nurses start at 28 an hour and get raises every year. At 10 years they get a bigger raise and COLA increase. My wife makes 50$ an hour no weekends or holidays with 17 years on the job. According to the fire contract a firefighter with 17 years on the job makes 31.00 an hour. So your point is that a nurse that is brand new starts out at about the same as an 17 year veteran of the fire department. Good point. But what does my my wife know right. 31 dollars an hour to most likely get cancer, PTSD, injured. !00 plus firemen die in the line of duty every year and the number of firemen who committed suicide was well over 100 in 2019. Since we are comparing nurses to firemen how many nurses die in the line of duty every year? But what do I know

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • joemomma

    cant we all just along??

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Wow,

    How many soldiers die in the line of duty? How many soldiers suffer from PTSD? How many soldiers die of cancer or other diseases? Why don't you people stop the hero talk and look at reality. According to numerous reports, fire fighters are very far down the list of dangerous jobs in America. 25th to be exact. Far less dangerous than construction workers, fisherman, ship builders, etc.. etc... etc. So stop this nonsense banter. It only serves as an example of the continued attempt to to try to show that somehow you should be looked upon as better than someone else. So end it.

    Friday, January 17, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    WOW,

    Lets start with the fact that people are comparing nurses to firefighters. That was the post that you ignorantly responded to. Since 2014 more firefighters have died in the line of duty than soldiers. Point is people die in both professions but your ignorance and hatred for firemen compel you to come on this thread and spread your nonsense. Sorry firefighting isn't dangerous enough for you to respect the profession and people that work in it, because your google search told you so. Pretty sure that fireman don't think they are better than anyone else, they probably are sick of the few people that call names, degrade their profession, tell then to get over themselves, spread lies and hate. You have the right to your opinion as do I, just try not to be so ignorant in your attempt to express it.

    Friday, January 17, 2020 Report this

  • Taxpayer02886

    While I respect the letter written by the fireman's wife, and value her opinion, I think she went a little overboard with the horrors she describes. While her husband may see some terrible things from time to time, lets face it, this isn't exactly the South Bronx, NY. He knew what he was getting into when he applied so I am sure he can handle all the doom and gloom she describes, or he should consider bowing out of the fire service.

    While I certainly agree they should be paid well, and have good benefits there is a limit to what we can afford.

    " What's their worth" ? It is what the average taxpayer can afford, no more and no less. When the city has to spend 10 million dollars a year on post -retirement health care for retired fire & police, anyone with common sense can agree that is way, way, way over the top. The average taxpayer is at the breaking point, these fireman must be smart enough to see that? Kudo's to the two gentlemen that are holding their feet to the fire. (so to speak).

    Thank you, from a retired Warwick taxpayer. (hoping I can afford my house a few more years)

    Friday, January 17, 2020 Report this

  • Apple_martinis

    The big question is will the city be able to fulfill their obligations to provide everything they’ve promised in 25 years? Maybe it’ll be a socialist country by then and the city’s obligations wont matter. Vote blue no matter who!

    Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Report this

  • Cat2222

    @Applemartinis

    The short answer is no. The entire system will crumble eventually. The contracts are supported by tax dollars. If citizens cannot afford to continue to pay tax hikes, they will move elsewhere and business will go with them. Less homes bought, less students to teach, less property taxes, etc. The contract is only viable if there is money behind it.

    Might I add, that goes for all contracts, not just fire fighters. I think the other unions have been getting a reprieve because all the heat is on the WFD (no pun intended) but it won't stay that way.

    I also fail to see the reasoning behind insulting the fire fighters or comparing them to soldiers or nurses. The job is demanding. You look foolish when you use that line of argument. On one hand you tell them they are lazy and don't deserve their salary but on the other hand, you are sitting at home knowing you will never be asked to run into a burning building or perform CPR on someone. Sure, everyone has choices but you made your choice as well so what gives any of us the right to discredit or downplay what our emergency responders do for the community each and every day?

    My faith in humanity is being severely tried every time I read a Beacon post comment section. BTW, who the heck has all that time on their hands to create new user accounts and emails just to publish more comments? Get a job or a hobby because that is truly the epitome of stupidity. What a colossal waste of time.

    Thursday, January 23, 2020 Report this

  • Liberman

    @Cat - you're not talking to me about the name calling etc? I only commented once and I thought it was a good question on what happens when the city literally don't have the funds to pay for the retiree healthcare and thank you for responding. I wasn't sure who the rest of your comment was for? Perhaps it's all the knuckleheads that are engaging in middleschool banter?

    Thursday, January 23, 2020 Report this

  • davebarry109

    Contract got passed:

    You are clearly a FF or related to one. Not one of my posts was 'angry' or disrespectful. I have nurses, police and FF in my family. I know whereof I speak. Warwick FD is very well paid. They have a very strong union. They, like their partners in Prov FD will bankrupt our respective cities if they don't agree to concessions. The money is not there.

    Taxes will continue to go up. Water is going up 20%. State taxes will continue to go up. Something has got to give. Most in my family have been in unions our whole lives but we can add and we can read.

    Saturday, January 25, 2020 Report this

  • Apple_martinis

    All municipal employees should be asking themselves if the city will have the ability to pay them what they are promised in 25 years... or even 10 for that matter. The city council/union can promise their employees the moon and stars but if there's no fuel for the rocket... you're not getting there.

    Sunday, January 26, 2020 Report this

  • Cat2222

    @Applemartinis,

    No, I wasn't trying to infer you were name calling. I am sorry for not being clearer in my comment.

    Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Report this

  • freespeech

    Mrs. D'Antonio

    No amount of money is worth a human being. But, your speech, is priceless. l know nothing of which you speak. What l do know, is, that when any first responder, when running out to their truck or car to respond to a fire, thief or car crash, helping those people, they are also paying a price. Myself, l would not like to see what they see day or night out. That's one toll l would not like to pay. l respectfully agree to disagree with you on a couple of points you made. Thank you, Mr. D'Antonio for your service. You've got a very strong woman watching your 6. God bless you, all.

    Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Report this