April 1, 2008...7:06 pm
The Firefighter’s special pension
The council is approving a motion for legislation that would give Firefighter Mark Stomski a special pension; he sustained life-threatening injuries on the job; doctors have said his injuries will almost certainly result in premature death.
Konnie brings up an interesting point though: There is very little documentation required in these instances. Indeed, there has been no official report given to the council on how the injuries were sustained. She brings up another incident from several years ago when a firefighter who got a special pension for dire health reasons ended up winning a golf tournament and running a construction company in the months following.
“We should have a requirement that there would be some sort of followup eligibility medical exams,” says Lukes.
“I’m not concerned about changing the benefits to anybody.”
She’s asking for the order to be held a week, so that provisions for followup medical exams can be included and provisions regarding alternative employment can be removed.
“To pursue that kind of faulty public policy is faulty for us or any legislative body.”
8:05
UPDATE: The question is twofold: can the council change the language tonight? (They’re allowed to) Should they?Dio snaps at Mayor Lukes, after the break.
Right now, the legislation allows the firefighter - if he gets healthy enough - to earn no more than what he WOULD be earning as a firefighter plus $7500. And it is questionable whether there are provisions for medical reexamination, should Stromski survive.
Rick Rushton: “This is kind of ghastly that we’re talking about…[this] young man’s [death]. It’s laconic.”
Chief Dio gives the story: Stomski was struck by a truck at a fire; he now weighs about 90 pounds, had pneumonia five times last winter, and has reduced lung capacity.
Dio says that the last firefighter referenced by Lukes just got a big settlement from the federal government. “We’re sorry he didn’t die quick enough for you,” Dio says to Mayor Lukes about the last firefighter. Raffa and Courtney clap. “I take it personally…”
Lukes: “Every single one of is going to die…I know I am going to be subject…to being cool, and cold hearted.”
Chief Dio apologizes for his comment.
Lukes says that if Stomski is truly that sick, there is no reason NOT to have a followup exam. Chief Dio agrees.
Rushton says it’s sad Lukes would infer a firefighter might cheat the city; Lukes responds the “mere chance” is enough reason.
8:31
THE END RESULT:
Neither of the proposed amendments to the legislation passed; only Haller and Lukes voted in favor. So, Lukes holds the item on privilege.
8:37
3 Comments
April 1, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Councilor Lukes & Haller showed real leadership on this issue this evening…sensitive subject that needed discussion.
April 2, 2008 at 1:29 pm
This is a very sensitive issue and needs some real consideration, each case is different.
April 4, 2008 at 10:11 am
[...] Chief Dio and Councilor Germain made intemperate comments at recent City Council meetings. [...]
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